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.
Shannon Dowler, MD, FAAFP, CPE, is an sexually transmitted infections (STI) subject matter expert consultant and acting chief medical officer for the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy as well as a health care policy consultant for a variety of regional and statewide primary care focused initiatives. She is immediate past chief medical officer for North Carolina Medicaid and Assistant Secretary for Health Access within the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led efforts across DHHS to rapidly modernize and evaluate telehealth and incorporate changes into permanent policy, establishing primary care infrastructure payments and drive health equity with a focus on increasing COVID testing and vaccinations across rural and historically marginalized populations. Her final act in this role was assisting the leadership team in Medicaid expansion. Currently, she enjoys teaching English as a Second Language in her rural Appalachian community, is a published author and public speaker.
July 2025
May 2024
September 2023