Recent federal policies and actions have not changed HealthPoint’s mission to strengthen communities and improve people's health by delivering quality health care services, breaking down barriers, and providing access to all. These events have reinforced our resolve to deliver on our mission.
Learning from the Past as We Face the Future
Last week’s federal budget bill included the largest cuts to the federal social safety net that HealthPoint has seen in its 54-year history - and the most severe I’ve experienced in my 30 years with the health center movement. But those decades of experience remind us that we have overcome obstacles in the past and will find ways to break down these new barriers we now face.
New federal healthcare policies will cause many people to lose their health insurance coverage, including an estimated 250,000 Washingtonians on Medicaid. And while HealthPoint remains committed to serving everyone in our community—regardless of their immigration status or whether they have insurance—we know that loss of coverage will hit hard, affecting individuals, families, communities, and the entire health care system.
While HealthPoint will continue to provide care regardless of insurance status, the loss of coverage reduces patients’ access to specialty services outside our clinics and undermines their sense of security, peace of mind, and continuity of care within the broader healthcare system. Our communities will suffer as thousands of people lose access to coverage, food assistance, and the health needed to care for their families and maintain employment. It will also result in more people seeking care in emergency departments and fewer resources for health centers, hospitals, and other care providers.
We will all feel the negative impacts of these policies.
Finding Strength in Our Purpose
In the midst of these challenges, we find strength in our purpose. We know that our commitment to ensuring no one is turned away, due to financial hardship, immigration status, gender identity, or any other barrier, is the right thing to do. HealthPoint will continue to listen, innovate, and provide the care and support our communities need to thrive. Communities thrive when good health creates possibilities and opportunities to achieve academic success, stable employment, financial security, and overall well-being.
And we will continue to advocate for the people we serve.
We Are All in This Together
We stand together with each of you.
To our patients, know this: You are at the heart of HealthPoint. We are here for you and will continue to be here to serve you.
To our staff: You are the heart of HealthPoint. You carry out our commitment to the mission every day. You are a force of 1,400 people strong, and I believe in the power of your passion and resolve.
To our health care system partners, we stand ready to work together to support those most affected by these policies and to develop new solutions to providing quality care for everyone.
To our donors, partners, and friends: your support and partnership is essential in overcoming these threats. We will need to lean on you more than ever. Learn more about the many ways you can support HealthPoint, including how to make a donation that will go directly towards ensuring health care remains accessible to all.
The road ahead will not be easy, but we will travel it together to build a healthier, more just future for everyone.
In partnership,
Lisa Yohalem, Chief Executive Officer, HealthPoint