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.
Publication Topic
Blog Post
September 2025 Morgan McDonald,
The National Conference of State Legislators Summit’s opening sessions, which featured former Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford and a tribute to slain Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, zeroed in on the need for depolarization in state houses and beyond. More
July 2025 Christopher F. Koller, Morgan McDonald,
Liz Reyer ran for state representative in Minnesota to change things for the better, not to fear for her life or those of her family members. But the murder of her fellow representative and party leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the shooting of her cross-chamber colleague Sen. John Hofmann and his wife, on June 15 has brought the unthinkable to the realm of the possible. More
News Article
April 2025
Engaging policymakers with authority over population health funding and policies in leadership development has great potential to depolarize issues… More
November 2024 Morgan McDonald,
A trip home to help with Appalachian mountain relief work in the wake of Hurricane Helene brought lessons on trust and community for Morgan McDonald, Milbank’s National Director of Population Health and Health Equity Leadership. More
September 2024 Charlie Conrad,
The Milbank Memorial Fund is committed to the leadership development, nonpartisanship, and the depolarization efforts needed to bring all parties to… More
December 2023 Morgan McDonald,
Morgan McDonald shares that “grace” is the defining element of this work for many state health leaders. More
October 2023 Morgan McDonald, Michael S. Sparer, Lawrence D. Brown,
While much has been written regarding what needs to be done to strengthen public health for future preparedness and public safety, little attention… More
December 2018
If durable policy remains the result of bipartisan efforts, what does the future of state health care reform look like? In a new NEJM Perspective… More
April 2018
Last year’s “repeal and replace” fight in Congress underscored how deep—and deeply confusing—disagreements over health care policy can… More
Publication
April 2018 David K. Jones,
Last year’s “repeal and replace” fight in Congress underscored how deep—and deeply confusing—disagreements over health care policy can be. Author David K. Jones traveled to Colorado and Kansas to find out what Republican and Democrat legislators were concerned about now when it comes to health reform. What does the bipartisan conversation look like in these states? More