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.
Ninez A. Ponce, PhD, MPP, directs the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and holds an Endowed Chair in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. She is the Principal Investigator or the California Health Interview Survey, the largest state population health survey in the nation. She champions data equity in public health, stressing inclusive data collection for equitable outcomes. With a focus on marginalized communities, Dr. Ponce works to improve healthcare access and address disparities. She advocates for disaggregated data usage to prioritize underserved populations, advancing health equity globally. Dr. Ponce serves on several editorial boards notably the Milbank Quarterly, contributing to influential equity, diversity and inclusion discourse in health policy and research. In 2024, she was honored with the CDC Foundation’s Elizabeth Fries Award. Recognizing over two decades of work on data equity, her CHPR team received the 2024 Inclusive Voices Award from the American Association of Public Opinion Research.
June 2026
August 2025
April 2023
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May 2024