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.
Natalia Barolín, BA, BSN, RN, is the senior health policy advisor at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. She leads the school’s initiatives to build the capacity and elevate the expertise of nurses in advocacy and policy. Natalia also supports the school’s advocacy efforts in shifting health care and policy toward one that acknowledges the intersections of physical, mental and social health and well-being.
Natalia began her nursing career in a federally qualified health center serving a primarily Latino immigrant population in Washington, DC, and later worked in oncology care navigation with the Lombardi Cancer Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital before joining the CMS Innovation Center (CMMI) in 2019. At CMMI, Natalia led the Accountable Health Communities Model, the first large-scale national model to test the integration of social needs screening with clinical care. Prior to becoming an RN, Natalia was a project director in strategic and policy communications, providing support and technical assistance to a range of government and nonprofit clients, including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Institute of Medicine, the FDA Tobacco Regulatory Science Fellowship, and the Office of Training and Diversity in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Natalia received her nursing degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and has a bachelor’s degree in Latin American and Women’s Studies from the University of Richmond. Natalia’s family is originally from Uruguay, and she speaks Spanish fluently. Natalia’s experience helping her family navigate the US health system shaped her passion for social and health justice.
June 2026