NHHF Launches Action Fund as Health Leaders Gather in Washington

The National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF) has launched the NHHF Action Fund, a new initiative aimed at advancing health equity and influencing policy within the healthcare sector. The announcement was made during the organization's 2026 Leadership Reception in Washington D.C., which convened hundreds of health leaders, professionals, and policymakers.

The reception, held at The University Club, featured the presentation of Hispanic Health Leadership Awards to U.S. Representative Raúl Ruiz and former Centene executive Carl Garrett. NHHF also introduced participants of its year-long executive training program for physicians, the Leadership Physician Fellows, alongside recipients of scholarships for health science students. Representatives from the Hispanic Health Professionals Network, National Minority Quality Forum, Association of American Medical Colleges, and National Hispanic Medical Association were also in attendance.

Dr. Elena V. Ríos, founder and chair of NHHF, emphasized that the new fund will focus on advocacy and policy-driven initiatives to increase health equity. The fund's launch follows the organization's "Hill Day" event, where healthcare professionals discussed issues affecting Hispanic and underserved communities with members of Congress.

"Launching the NHHF Action Fund represents a significant step forward in advancing advocacy and policy initiatives aimed at improving the health of Hispanic communities nationwide," said Andrés Ramírez, chair of the NHHF Action Fund. NHHF also presented a Hispanic Health Leadership Award to Senator Catherine Cortez Masto for her work in promoting health equity.