National Hispanic Health Foundation

12/18/2025

Yesterday the National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF) joined Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), alongside Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-2) and Rep. Shomari Figures (AL-2), as Kennedy introduced the Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals (LEAP) Act.

“We applaud Congressman Tim Kennedy for calling for the reversal of the Department of Education’s decision to impose stricter federal loan limits on certain advanced degree programs,” said Dr. Elena Rios, president of the National Hispanic Health Foundation. "Students in high-demand healthcare fields would be able to borrow adequate levels of loans.”

This legislation corrects a disparity made in H.R. 1, the Republican-led reconciliation bill, which drastically reduced borrowing power for advanced degree essential health students such as nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and public health workers, while leaving limits for other professionals untouched.

https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2339

12/15/2025

Statement from NHHF President Dr. Elena Rios on the support for the PBM Price Transparency & Accountability Act

December 15, 2025

“The National Hispanic Health Foundation applauds the Dec. 4, 2025 introduction of the bipartisan PBM Price Transparency & Accountability Act. Greater accountability of pharmacy benefit managers will help lower prescription drug costs and strengthen pharmacy access, including independent pharmacies, in underserved communities. These reforms align with our mission to improve health outcomes and expand access to care for Hispanic populations disproportionately impacted by chronic disease and high medication costs.”

12/12/2025

📢 NHHF is hiring a Social Media Communications Intern for Spring 2026.

If you’re creative, organized, and passionate about advancing health equity, we want you!

📝 Social media + comms experience
📊 Track & monitor campaigns
🤝 Work independently + on a team
📅 Start: 1/12/2026

Apply today 👉 https://bit.ly/4j05UhU

The National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF) is dedicated to improving the health of Hispanics and underserved communities. Through education, research, and community engagement, NHHF works to address health disparities and promote health equity. Our programs encompass public health initiatives, r...

12/05/2025

Statement from NHHF President Dr. Elena Rios on ACIP Recommendation Regarding Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccine

Contact: Lizette Olmos Godfrey
NHHF Communications Manager
lolmosgodfrey@nhhfx.org

As President of the National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF), I am deeply concerned by the vote of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to end the longstanding recommendation that all newborns receive a birth-dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine. This decision marks a significant reversal of a public health measure that has, for decades, protected countless infants from lifelong risk of chronic liver disease, including liver cancer.

For over 30 years, universal newborn vaccination has been one of the most effective tools in reducing Hepatitis B transmission and preventing chronic hepatitis especially in communities where perinatal infection can occur even when the mother’s status appears negative. The safety and efficacy of the Hepatitis B vaccine are well established. Rolling back this recommendation ignores the robust body of evidence demonstrating that early vaccination virtually eliminates the risk of perinatal and early-childhood infection and substantially reduces long-term disease burden.

Changing course on this critical vaccine guidance threatens to undo decades of progress for public health in the United States. Parents should continue to have access to reliable, evidence-based recommendations and infants deserve the strongest protection available from birth.

We call on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director and U.S. health-policy decision-makers to reject this rollback, reaffirm the universal newborn Hepatitis B vaccination schedule, and remain committed to preventing preventable illnesses before they take root. The health and future of our youngest children depend on it.”

12/04/2025

NHHF 2025 Washington DC Scholarship and Awards Gala was a Success!
Awardees Dr. Laura Magana, President of the Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health; Congressman Jimmy Gomez; Congressman David Valadeo - inspired the students and our DC friends. Congratulations to scholars & Mike Ybarra & Jason Leon! Thank you to our Mistress of Ceremonies Cristina Antelo.

11/20/2025

On Wednesday, December 3rd, NHHF will host the 22nd Annual Health Professional Student Scholarship Gala! 🎉 We are excited to honor an extraordinary group of Hispanic leaders, including one of this year’s distinguished awardees, Dr. Laura Magaña.

Dr. Laura Magaña serves as President and CEO of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) and is the founding President of the Global Network for Academic Public Health. She is a transformative leader in public health education who has strengthened research, expanded international collaboration, and championed major initiatives focused on equity, workforce development, and health. With more than 35 years of leadership across academic institutions and organizations in Mexico, the United States, Central America, and Europe, along with more than 90 published works, Dr. Magaña continues to shape the field and inspire the next generation of public health professionals.

We are honored to recognize Dr. Laura Magaña in just two weeks! Learn more about our 2025 DC Gala at the link below:�https://bit.ly/4prvE8W

11/18/2025

Please join us on Wednesday, December 3rd for the NHHF 22nd Annual Health Professional Student Scholarship Gala. We have an exciting lineup of Hispanic Awardees being recognized. For more information, please visit our website at https://nationalhispanichealthfoundation.org/galas/.

11/07/2025

Join us on Nov. 21 at the National Hispanic Health Foundation’s Los Angeles Gala as we honor James Acevedo, CEO of Grapevine Development. He has devoted his career to uplifting Latino communities

For more information visit https://nationalhispanichealthfoundation.org/galas/

11/05/2025

NHHF at ! ✨

NHHF was honored to represent our organization at the 2025 American Public Health Association (APHA) Expo! Throughout the conference, our team connected with inspiring organizations, leaders, and students who are all working to advance public health and health equity in the Latino community and beyond.

To wrap up , our team joined the APHA Latino Caucus Dinner! The event celebrated Latino leadership, community, and partnership in advancing public health.

A huge thank you to our amazing staff and interns who helped run our booth and represent NHHF so proudly!

11/04/2025

Join us on Nov. 21 at the National Hispanic Health Foundation’s Los Angeles Gala as we honor Dr. Carolina Reyes, a UC Davis Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist dedicated to improving outcomes for women with high-risk pregnancies. 💙

Learn more: nationalhispanichealthfoundation.org/galas

10/27/2025

🤝 Don't miss an exciting upcoming webinar "AI For Recruitment & Retention in Public Health!"

The National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF) is proud to collaborate with community partners, healthcare institutions, and policymakers to address the unique health challenges facing Hispanic communities.

From increasing representation in healthcare to advocating for culturally competent care, we're working tirelessly to create a healthier future for all.

Join our mission. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

📅 November 12, 2025
🕖 4 PM EST

🔗 Register here:
bit.ly/4h2mpsJ

10/24/2025

NHHF is thrilled to celebrate Julissa Soto, Global Health Equity Ambassador.

For more than twenty years, Julissa Soto has dedicated her career to being a leading advocate for Latino immigrant equality, inclusion and health equity in Colorado and throughout the nation.

Learn more Sponsorship Opportunities by visiting our website https://bit.ly/47nuqEe