WASHINGTON, September 15, 2026 – Addressing an audience of physician fellows and other healthcare professionals on 16th Street NW, Dr. Elena Rios made a quiet admission that caught many by surprise. “For decades, we’ve published reports and funded scholarships,” she noted, adjusting her glasses. “And while that matters, it simply isn’t enough anymore when lawmakers are making decisions without us in the room.”
That stark reality prompted a historic shift this week in the nation’s capital.
The National Hispanic Health Foundation, in collaboration with critical partners such as the National Minority Quality Forum, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the National Hispanic Medical Association, established the NHHF Action Fund. The newly formed 501(c)(4) social welfare group acts as a lobbying entity—a vehicle through which Hispanic health policy advocates can effectively lobby Congress.
This is particularly important as timing is everything.
Healthcare inequities faced by the minority population are not some abstract issues that policymakers need to address. Instead, they are concrete issues faced by many people struggling with soaring costs of prescription drugs, inadequate supply of hospitals in rural areas, and language barriers in hospitals’ emergency departments. By forming a lobbying organization, it will be possible to transform academic research into federal law.
The Action Fund wasted no time setting its agenda, hosting its inaugural Capitol Hill Day on Wednesday, September 16. Physician leaders and medical students marched into congressional office buildings to brief Senators and Representatives on urgent healthcare priorities.
NHHF Action Fund President Andres Ramirez emphasized that the new organization marks a major evolution in health equity advocacy. “We are proud to announce the NHHF Action Fund, marking a significant step forward in advancing health advocacy and policy efforts to improve the health of Hispanic communities across the nation,” Ramirez explained during the launch.
This launch was conducted simultaneously with the DC Leadership Reception 2026 that was being held by The University Club. Apart from highlighting the legislative goals of the organization, the launch ceremony also featured the awarding of scholarships to outstanding students and legislative leaders. Hispanic Health Leadership Awards were bestowed on Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz for their efforts in promoting rural health care and Medicare access.
“My priorities have always been increasing access to quality care for the people who need it most,” Congressman Ruiz noted, addressing attendees. “That means lowering costs, expanding coverage, and ensuring families aren’t forced to choose between a doctor’s visit and paying their bills.”
Will the existing advocacy organization be able to wield influence in the highly complex struggle that will go on in health appropriations legislation? No one knows for sure. However, with doctors making the rounds on Capitol Hill, one thing is certain: the health equity advocates aren’t going to be spectators anymore.
