BHPN January Pulse, the 2-min read that keeps you in the know

February 3, 2025

Los Angeles’ housing crisis worsens,?the promised mass deportation of migrants begins,?food prices soar as bird flu spreads and President Donald Trump calls for emergency price relief as the new administration takes shape. But the White House rescinded its freeze on federal funds and legal challenges are ramping up but the scale and speed of the potential disruption left many deeply concerned.?

How will this play out across our sectors?

An uncertain future for public health: The Trump administration has paused all communications from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Resources, citing a review of unknown scope. As agencies that support the health of millions of Americans, the void of this pause has caused great concern. Leaders in the public health sector have named the urgency of updating the sector and addressing US health issues through partnerships and rebuilding trust as we imagine that future.?

Although the move at home could jeopardize the health of Americans, President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) could increase mortality worldwide and impact US access to global health surveillance data.

As Congress mulls confirming Robert F. Kennedy as HHS head, some of the nation’s brightest scientific minds are gearing up to fight against policies that some say will do considerable damage to the country. Connecticut legislators are already trying to decouple their public health system from the federal government but other states are waiting to see how the White House’s review pans out.

Meanwhile, over in community development…

Affordable housing no more?: The threat of tariffs and deportations are making developers think twice about building more affordable housing. For now, housing advocates and trade organizations are actively seeking ways to work with the administration and hoping that a raft of new executive orders won’t chill the housing market altogether.?

Risky business: The Inflation Reduction Act bolstered community-based climate justice, pollution reduction and even urban forestry programs across the country for years before Trump returned to the White house. While the new administration’s put a hold on billions in federal grant money yet to be paid out, lawyers say the government may end up having to distribute the funds or risk having to pay for delaying or cancelling them. CDFIs have the capital to keep some programs moving but, in many communities, the need for financing far outstrips lending activity.?

And again, in healthcare,

The hard road to reform: Executive orders weakening the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid have stoked concerns that more changes are on the way. The administration may have to think twice about doing anything drastic since the ACA and Medicaid are wildly popular with voters.?

A rare opportunity: As the administration moves to reshape healthcare, there’s a newfound opportunity to address persistent disparities in health access that stymied the Biden White House. Mutisector partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations would be a great start.?

Government isn’t the problem. It’s part of the solution: Building trust with rural communities is key to driving lasting change but doing that while navigating through the maze of local government is especially challenging. BHPN and The Center for Rural Health Development’s?latest resource provides community leaders with insights from national, regional, and local experts on how to engage with local governments and help drive multisector collaborations that make communities healthier. Click here to see more.

Can’t stop, won’t stop: The speed and scope of the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle DEI are set to make the struggle for health equity even harder than it already is. As scientists gear up to fight for critical funding, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation remains committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, values that are at the core of what it means to be American.?

R.E.S.P.E.C.T:?Partnerships between Native communities, healthcare systems, governments, and non-profits are essential for?effective collaboration but these relationships have to be built on mutual respect and Tribal sovereignty if they’re going to be lasting or impactful. Some Tribal leaders and their partners have already cracked the code. Click here to find out more in BHPN’s new two?pager.

The other climate crisis: Addressing environmental health problems in disinvested communities, predominantly communities of color, isn't a government priority anymore and neither is mitigating climate change. That about-face comes when natural catastrophes are becoming more frequent and some say it's set to drive internal migration beyond anything we’ve seen.

Looking back to move forward: The sea change in federal funding won’t last forever and BHPN remains steadfast in its commitment to community-led, multi-sector partnerships and the pursuit of health and racial equity; this transformative progress will endure. Click here to see what we did in 2024 and how you can get involved!?

In unwavering solidarity, we honor Dr. King's legacy by recognizing the inextricable link between racial justice and the ongoing fight for climate justice. Everyone has the right to clean air, clean water and the freedom to live in a healthy environment. As activists and lawyers prepare to fight for us, let’s remember that we have a role to play too. Together, we will honor Dr. King’s legacy and enshrine these rights for all.?