The Fund supports networks of state health policy decision makers to help identify, inspire, and inform policy leaders.
A bipartisan group of state health policymakers from both the executive and legislative branches who are focused on improving population health.
Networks of state officials, advocates, and others aiming to invest in and transform primary care.
A program dedicated to advancing state-based efforts to make health care more affordable for residents, employers, and states.
The Milbank Memorial Fund supports two state leadership programs for legislative and executive branch state government officials committed to improving population health.
A leadership development program for early and mid-career state government officials who are committed to improving the health of all people in their communities.
A leadership program for senior state government officials who are committed to improving population health.
The Fund focuses on creating an affordable health care system built on strong primary care and partnerships that improve health outcomes for all.
Improving state leaders’ ability to enact and implement evidence-based health policies.
Advancing policies that create a more prevention- and primary care-oriented health system.
Improving population health through policies that contain health care cost growth.
Our state health policy resources offer relevant data analysis and best practices.
The Fund publishes reports, issues briefs, and case studies on state health policy issues.
Short takes on health policy issues from Milbank staff and guest authors.
Insights from Milbank President Debra Lubar on state health policymaking.
Reported articles and Q&As on timely health policy issues, as well as foundation updates.
Milbank Memorial Fund and Milbank Quarterly webinars featuring state health policymakers and researchers.
Updates and expert contact information for reporters.
The Milbank Memorial Fund is a private foundation that works to improve population health and health equity.
September 22, 2026
News Article
Sep 21, 2026
Sep 14, 2026
Aug 27, 2026
Back to News Articles
The Voices For Our Fathers Legacy Foundation, an organization formed by descendants of the 625 African American men in the United States Public Health Service Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male at Tuskegee and Macon County, Alabama, has announced the recipients of its 2026-2027 scholarships. The scholarships were awarded by the Voices Board of Directors, President Lillie Tyson Head, and Scholarship Committee Chairperson Juan Macon.
“We are proud to support these outstanding scholars as they pursue higher education and carry forward the legacies of their families,” said Mrs. Head.
The Voices For Our Fathers Legacy Foundation scholarships, supported by the Milbank Memorial Fund, were awarded to 14 descendants of the men in the study. The recipients were Jamel Forte, Janice Gaines, Xiansezelle Grace, Isaiah Hoofe, Raven Melvin, Cornelius Pace, Jamyra Patrick, Gabrielle Robinson, Jade Sistrunk, Jaden Sistrunk, Zerryn Sistrunk, Jade Thomas, Kellie Whitlow, and Devin Williams. These scholarships are awarded to descendants who have been accepted at an accredited two- or four-year higher education institution.
“We are grateful to contribute to the education of these descendants and honor of the memory and lives of their great- and great-great grandfathers,” said Milbank Memorial Fund President Debra Lubar. The Milbank Memorial Fund created a partnership with Voices following its 2021 apology for its role in the USPHS syphilis study.
In addition, Voices awarded its Joyce Pollard Williams Community Service Scholarship to Jamal Forte and Raven Melvin and the Neal Crutcher Mentor Scholarship to Cornelius Pace.
Voices also collaborates with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the CDC Foundation on the Voices Today for Change Tomorrow Scholarships, which are available to descendants pursuing graduate studies who have a demonstrated commitment to serving as medical care providers, physician scientists, clinical leaders, medical educators, public health experts, and advocates for rural and urban underserved populations.
The second annual set of scholarships were awarded to Monica Christian, a descendant of Freddie Lee Tyson and licensed speech-pathologist who is pursuing a Certificate in Applied Gerontology, and Sabrina Williams, a descendant of Paul Shumpert, who is pursuing a master’s in counseling and plans to dedicate her career to providing culturally competent mental health care to Black youth and adults.