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.
December 2022 (Volume 100)
Quarterly Article
Y. Tony Yang
Sherrie Flynt Wallington
Stephanie Morain
Jun 29, 2026
Jun 25, 2026
Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges
Back to The Milbank Quarterly
Policy Points:
In the United States, paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child is a luxury; only 23% of civilian workers have access to paid family leave.1 Rates are even lower for men, given gendered societal norms that have held caregiving to be primarily (if not exclusively) “women’s work.” Consequently, only 13% of employers offer paid paternity leave to all male employees.2 While the lack of robust paternity leave policies have been rightly criticized for reinforcing gender inequality, the reliance on employment-based paternity leave also contributes to broader patterns of inequality, including by race and socioeconomic status. Yet, when available, paid paternity leave has shown clear benefits for families and society, including greater father-child involvement; improved child language, test scores, and social development; healthier marriages; lessened postpartum demands and improvements in women’s career advancements.3 Furthermore, paid leave approaches that are restricted to birth parents fail to give due recognition to and support of many families, including same-sex couples and adoptive parents. Policy strategies to promote access to—and use of—paternity leave (and leave for non-birth parents more broadly) can therefore promote a healthier and more equitable society.
READ THE FULL TEXT ON WILEY ONLINE