In this week’s special episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down a major and alarming development in U.S. public health policy: the removal of all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Steven explains what ACIP does, why its role is crucial to vaccine access and confidence, and how this sudden and sweeping dismissal could erode trust, limit insurance coverage, and leave vulnerable populations at risk.

Tune in to learn what’s at stake, why it matters for people living with chronic illness, and how patients can raise their voices in support of science-based policy.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:46: Steven explains what ACIP is, what it does, and how it supports CDC vaccine policy

01:45: Steven outlines the importance of ACIP recommendations for real-world vaccine access and insurance coverage

02:05: Steven details RFK Jr.’s justification for the ACIP purge and why it is cause for concern

02:48: Steven warns of the dangerous consequences: loss of expertise, misinformation, and reduced access for patients

03:33: Steven highlights the risks for immunocompromised patients and families with children

04:30: Steven encourages patient action; contact Congress, speak to your doctor, and stay informed

05:08: Steven urges listeners to submit comments for the upcoming ACIP meeting and shares how GHLF will be responding

You can submit comments online for the Committee at regulations.gov

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, breaks down two major stories: sweeping proposed cuts to key federal health agencies in the 2026 U.S. budget, and a new national partnership between GHLF and Walgreens aimed at improving care for chronic skin conditions. Steven explains what’s at stake, how advocacy can influence policy decisions, and why pharmacists are essential allies in supporting skin health.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:34: Steven breaks down the proposed 26% cut to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including a 40% cut to NIH and 44% to CDC

01:00: Steven explains the impact of these cuts on medical research, vaccine surveillance, and chronic disease care

01:56: Steven discusses how Indian Health Services and HRSA programs would also be severely reduced, putting vulnerable populations at further risk

02:43: Steven emphasizes that this is a proposed budget and not a done deal—public advocacy still has power

03:10: Steven urges listeners to contact their members of Congress and help make budget policy personal for patients

03:40: The episode pivots to good news: GHLF’s new campaign with Walgreens: Your Skin, Your Health: How Pharmacists Help You Take Control

To watch the videos from the campaign and explore more resources from GHLF and Walgreens, visit: https://linktr.ee/YourSkinYourHealth

03:58: Steven introduces the campaign’s focus on empowering patients with HS, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia through pharmacist guidance

04:28: Steven explains why pharmacists are ideal allies in chronic skin care—offering support from symptom recognition to navigating insurance

05:01: Steven outlines how the campaign will reach millions across GHLF and Walgreens channels, with weekly videos and actionable resources

05:40: He reflects on why this campaign matters: for many patients, it provides long-overdue validation and support from trusted professionals

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FDA just made a surprising move that could reshape COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S. going forward, and the House passed a major budget bill with proposed cuts to Medicaid. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down the changes, debates, and potential impacts on people living with chronic conditions.

Tune in to understand what these updates mean and what steps advocates can take to make their voices heard.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:08: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, opens the episode by introducing two major health policy developments: the FDA’s shift in COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and the House’s proposed changes to Medicaid

00:50: Steven explains the new FDA policy: COVID-19 vaccines will now only be recommended for adults 65+ or those with at least one chronic condition

01:27: He breaks down the reasoning behind the FDA’s decision, including population-level immunity and a desire for stricter trial standards for boosters

02:38: Steven details critics’ concerns about the lack of transparency and the ethical issues surrounding placebo-controlled vaccine trials

04:10: He highlights the risk that this decision could undermine CDC efforts and lead to public confusion or lower vaccine uptake

04:52: Steven shifts to the second major story: the House’s fiscal year 2026 budget resolution, which includes dramatic proposed cuts to Medicaid

05:13: He outlines three major proposed changes: capped federal funding, work requirements for Medicaid, and restrictions on Medicaid expansion

05:58: Steven emphasizes who this could affect—over 80 million people, including those with chronic conditions, disabilities, or long COVID

06:23: He encourages listeners to take action by contacting their senators and participating in public hearings, reminding them that advocacy matters

Join GHLF’s 50 State Network, share your story, and get involved in advocacy to make a difference, email us at advocacy@ghlf.org

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.