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.
Supporting networks of state officials, advocates, and others aiming to invest in and transform primary care.
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 provide 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.
Upcoming and past 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.
State Epidemiologist, Louisiana Department of Health
Theresa Sokol has worked for the Louisiana Department of Health for more than 20 years. She currently serves as the State Epidemiologist and Program Director for the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section of the Louisiana Office of Public Health. In this capacity, she provides expert epidemiologic, scientific, and technical leadership for the critical public health systems and processes that detect and control infectious diseases, hazardous environmental exposures, bioterrorism threats, and other public health emergencies. Theresa oversees surveillance for more than 80 infectious diseases, including food and water-borne diseases, vector-borne diseases, viral respiratory illnesses, health care associated infections, and vaccine preventable diseases. She has directed Louisiana’s investigation of numerous large outbreaks, including hepatitis A, histoplasmosis, mumps, COVID-19, mpox, West Nile, pertussis, and cyclosporiasis. She also led the state’s epidemiologic response to high-consequence infectious diseases such as Zika, Welder’s Anthrax, Ebola, avian influenza, and measles.