HealthBegins
@healthbegins.bsky.social
A mission-driven consulting & training firm dedicated to improving the social & structural drivers of health equity. #upstream #SDOH #healthequity #healthcare
Black communities bear the brunt of climate change, so it's only right that they have a voice in the solutions to fix the issue.
Big Green Has Always Been White. Now the Erasure Is Intentional wordinblack.com/2025/12/whit... by @mustafasantiagoali.bsky.social via @wordinblacknews.bsky.social
Big Green Has Always Been White. Now the Erasure Is Intentional wordinblack.com/2025/12/whit... by @mustafasantiagoali.bsky.social via @wordinblacknews.bsky.social
The Whiteness of Big Green Leadership
Climate justice needs Black, Latino, and Indigenous leaders now.
wordinblack.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Black communities bear the brunt of climate change, so it's only right that they have a voice in the solutions to fix the issue.
Big Green Has Always Been White. Now the Erasure Is Intentional wordinblack.com/2025/12/whit... by @mustafasantiagoali.bsky.social via @wordinblacknews.bsky.social
Big Green Has Always Been White. Now the Erasure Is Intentional wordinblack.com/2025/12/whit... by @mustafasantiagoali.bsky.social via @wordinblacknews.bsky.social
Accountability blog Part 3: If we want healthcare institutions to be accountable for progress on #healthequity, then Transparency and Answerability must be part of the process.
Letting In Light and Heat: Opening Up Health Equity Work to Public Scrutiny buff.ly/40whKXh
Letting In Light and Heat: Opening Up Health Equity Work to Public Scrutiny buff.ly/40whKXh
December 15, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Accountability blog Part 3: If we want healthcare institutions to be accountable for progress on #healthequity, then Transparency and Answerability must be part of the process.
Letting In Light and Heat: Opening Up Health Equity Work to Public Scrutiny buff.ly/40whKXh
Letting In Light and Heat: Opening Up Health Equity Work to Public Scrutiny buff.ly/40whKXh
"As today’s vote confirms, the Republicans appear no closer to coalescing around a real plan that would lower health care costs for the American people."
Blame Republicans for our health insurance mess www.vox.com/health/47196... by @dylanlscott.bsky.social via @vox.com
Blame Republicans for our health insurance mess www.vox.com/health/47196... by @dylanlscott.bsky.social via @vox.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:43 PM
"As today’s vote confirms, the Republicans appear no closer to coalescing around a real plan that would lower health care costs for the American people."
Blame Republicans for our health insurance mess www.vox.com/health/47196... by @dylanlscott.bsky.social via @vox.com
Blame Republicans for our health insurance mess www.vox.com/health/47196... by @dylanlscott.bsky.social via @vox.com
Not just important to screen for #SDOH but how we do it to ensure we don't retraumatize patients.
Trauma-Informed Screening for Structural Drivers of Health journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/trau... by @ethicselizabeth.bsky.social @jimduffee.bsky.social via @amajournalofethics.bsky.social
Trauma-Informed Screening for Structural Drivers of Health journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/trau... by @ethicselizabeth.bsky.social @jimduffee.bsky.social via @amajournalofethics.bsky.social
December 14, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Not just important to screen for #SDOH but how we do it to ensure we don't retraumatize patients.
Trauma-Informed Screening for Structural Drivers of Health journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/trau... by @ethicselizabeth.bsky.social @jimduffee.bsky.social via @amajournalofethics.bsky.social
Trauma-Informed Screening for Structural Drivers of Health journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/trau... by @ethicselizabeth.bsky.social @jimduffee.bsky.social via @amajournalofethics.bsky.social
"Civic engagement doesn't just offer hope; it restores agency and meaning to our work." @ammahstarr.bsky.social
Doctors' civic engagement will help fix our broken health systems www.timesunion.com/opinion/arti... via @timesunion.com CC: @civichealthall.bsky.social
Doctors' civic engagement will help fix our broken health systems www.timesunion.com/opinion/arti... via @timesunion.com CC: @civichealthall.bsky.social
Commentary: Doctors' civic engagement will help fix our broken health systems
Doctors are burning out. Part of the problem: The helplessness they feel over government policies that are harming the people they've pledged to care for.
www.timesunion.com
December 13, 2025 at 6:43 PM
"Civic engagement doesn't just offer hope; it restores agency and meaning to our work." @ammahstarr.bsky.social
Doctors' civic engagement will help fix our broken health systems www.timesunion.com/opinion/arti... via @timesunion.com CC: @civichealthall.bsky.social
Doctors' civic engagement will help fix our broken health systems www.timesunion.com/opinion/arti... via @timesunion.com CC: @civichealthall.bsky.social
As is often the case, vulnerable communities will suffer the worst impacts of not addressing preventable diseases.
Why America is losing the fight against preventable disease missouriindependent.com/2025/12/05/w... by @darcy-id-doc.bsky.social @priyapal.bsky.social via @missouriindependent.com
Why America is losing the fight against preventable disease missouriindependent.com/2025/12/05/w... by @darcy-id-doc.bsky.social @priyapal.bsky.social via @missouriindependent.com
Why America is losing the fight against preventable disease • Missouri Independent
This past summer a young mother purchased raw milk for her family after seeing it promoted online. Tragically, she not only lost her 20-week pregnancy, her young son required hospitalization and…
missouriindependent.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:29 PM
As is often the case, vulnerable communities will suffer the worst impacts of not addressing preventable diseases.
Why America is losing the fight against preventable disease missouriindependent.com/2025/12/05/w... by @darcy-id-doc.bsky.social @priyapal.bsky.social via @missouriindependent.com
Why America is losing the fight against preventable disease missouriindependent.com/2025/12/05/w... by @darcy-id-doc.bsky.social @priyapal.bsky.social via @missouriindependent.com
ICYMI we had our #webinar:
"Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025"
As this has been a challenging year for #healthequity advocates, we came together in this event to decompress, honor resistance, and rekindle hope in our community.
Watch: youtu.be/VrHcBTUsJDs
"Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025"
As this has been a challenging year for #healthequity advocates, we came together in this event to decompress, honor resistance, and rekindle hope in our community.
Watch: youtu.be/VrHcBTUsJDs
December 12, 2025 at 6:43 PM
ICYMI we had our #webinar:
"Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025"
As this has been a challenging year for #healthequity advocates, we came together in this event to decompress, honor resistance, and rekindle hope in our community.
Watch: youtu.be/VrHcBTUsJDs
"Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025"
As this has been a challenging year for #healthequity advocates, we came together in this event to decompress, honor resistance, and rekindle hope in our community.
Watch: youtu.be/VrHcBTUsJDs
Driving patients to #medicaldebt only puts them through further harm.
These Health Centers Are Supposed to Make Care Affordable. One Has Sued Patients for as Little as $59 in Unpaid Bills. www.propublica.org/article/fede... by @aliyyaswaby.bsky.social @mrsimon22.bsky.social via @propublica.org
These Health Centers Are Supposed to Make Care Affordable. One Has Sued Patients for as Little as $59 in Unpaid Bills. www.propublica.org/article/fede... by @aliyyaswaby.bsky.social @mrsimon22.bsky.social via @propublica.org
These Health Centers Are Supposed to Make Care Affordable. One Has Sued Patients for as Little as $59 in Unpaid Bills.
Federally funded community health centers receive grants in exchange for serving patients regardless of their ability to pay. But ProPublica found at least five across the country garnishing…
www.propublica.org
December 12, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Driving patients to #medicaldebt only puts them through further harm.
These Health Centers Are Supposed to Make Care Affordable. One Has Sued Patients for as Little as $59 in Unpaid Bills. www.propublica.org/article/fede... by @aliyyaswaby.bsky.social @mrsimon22.bsky.social via @propublica.org
These Health Centers Are Supposed to Make Care Affordable. One Has Sued Patients for as Little as $59 in Unpaid Bills. www.propublica.org/article/fede... by @aliyyaswaby.bsky.social @mrsimon22.bsky.social via @propublica.org
ONE HOUR! Join us as we look back on a pivotal year for health equity and collective action. We'll bring together luminaries in the fields of #healthequity, democracy, policy transformation, and organizing.
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
December 11, 2025 at 5:02 PM
ONE HOUR! Join us as we look back on a pivotal year for health equity and collective action. We'll bring together luminaries in the fields of #healthequity, democracy, policy transformation, and organizing.
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Good commentary by @elizabethjacobs.bsky.social and @jimalwine.bsky.social : "The destruction of the world’s leading #publichealth organization endangers us all."
RFK Jr.’s Deepening Threat to Public Health progressive.org/latest/rfk-j... via @theprogressivemag.bsky.social
RFK Jr.’s Deepening Threat to Public Health progressive.org/latest/rfk-j... via @theprogressivemag.bsky.social
progressive.org
December 11, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Good commentary by @elizabethjacobs.bsky.social and @jimalwine.bsky.social : "The destruction of the world’s leading #publichealth organization endangers us all."
RFK Jr.’s Deepening Threat to Public Health progressive.org/latest/rfk-j... via @theprogressivemag.bsky.social
RFK Jr.’s Deepening Threat to Public Health progressive.org/latest/rfk-j... via @theprogressivemag.bsky.social
TOMORROW! Join us as we look back on a pivotal year for health equity and collective action. We'll bring together luminaries in the fields of #healthequity, democracy, policy transformation, and organizing.
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
December 10, 2025 at 8:29 PM
TOMORROW! Join us as we look back on a pivotal year for health equity and collective action. We'll bring together luminaries in the fields of #healthequity, democracy, policy transformation, and organizing.
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
As is our annual tradition, HealthBegins would like to share with you our staff picks of books that provided us joy, inspiration, and hope this year.
Great Books to Gift Upstreamists: HealthBegins Staff Picks for 2025 healthbegins.org/great-books-...
Great Books to Gift Upstreamists: HealthBegins Staff Picks for 2025 healthbegins.org/great-books-...
December 10, 2025 at 6:43 PM
As is our annual tradition, HealthBegins would like to share with you our staff picks of books that provided us joy, inspiration, and hope this year.
Great Books to Gift Upstreamists: HealthBegins Staff Picks for 2025 healthbegins.org/great-books-...
Great Books to Gift Upstreamists: HealthBegins Staff Picks for 2025 healthbegins.org/great-books-...
"Access to opportunity in the US is tied to race and ethnicity, income, and family background, and it is not a level playing field." @gregggonsalves.bsky.social
Public Health Needs a New Motto: No Apologies, No Surrender www.thenation.com/article/soci... via @thenation.com
Public Health Needs a New Motto: No Apologies, No Surrender www.thenation.com/article/soci... via @thenation.com
Public Health Needs a New Motto: No Apologies, No Surrender
It's time we stopped flinching at the assaults of the far right—and started fighting back.
www.thenation.com
December 10, 2025 at 12:31 AM
"Access to opportunity in the US is tied to race and ethnicity, income, and family background, and it is not a level playing field." @gregggonsalves.bsky.social
Public Health Needs a New Motto: No Apologies, No Surrender www.thenation.com/article/soci... via @thenation.com
Public Health Needs a New Motto: No Apologies, No Surrender www.thenation.com/article/soci... via @thenation.com
HealthBegins supported health centers across the country to find new ways to make #maternalhealth more equitable and effective—and the outcome was nothing short of inspiring.
Building Community to Improve Maternal Health: Lessons from Group Prenatal Care healthbegins.org/building-com...
Building Community to Improve Maternal Health: Lessons from Group Prenatal Care healthbegins.org/building-com...
Building Community to Improve Maternal Health: Lessons from Group Prenatal Care - HealthBegins
HealthBegins supported health centers across the country to find new ways to make maternal health more equitable and effective. The solution was Group Prenatal Care—a means of fostering community as…
healthbegins.org
December 9, 2025 at 8:29 PM
HealthBegins supported health centers across the country to find new ways to make #maternalhealth more equitable and effective—and the outcome was nothing short of inspiring.
Building Community to Improve Maternal Health: Lessons from Group Prenatal Care healthbegins.org/building-com...
Building Community to Improve Maternal Health: Lessons from Group Prenatal Care healthbegins.org/building-com...
"Maternal and infant health disparities reflect broader underlying social and economic inequities that are rooted in racism and discrimination."
Racial Disparities in Maternal and Infant Health: Current Status and Key Issues www.kff.org/racial-equit... CC: @sartiga.bsky.social @kff.org
Racial Disparities in Maternal and Infant Health: Current Status and Key Issues www.kff.org/racial-equit... CC: @sartiga.bsky.social @kff.org
December 9, 2025 at 6:43 PM
"Maternal and infant health disparities reflect broader underlying social and economic inequities that are rooted in racism and discrimination."
Racial Disparities in Maternal and Infant Health: Current Status and Key Issues www.kff.org/racial-equit... CC: @sartiga.bsky.social @kff.org
Racial Disparities in Maternal and Infant Health: Current Status and Key Issues www.kff.org/racial-equit... CC: @sartiga.bsky.social @kff.org
How Will Making English the Official Language of the U.S. Affect Patients with Limited English Proficiency? www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2025/ho... by @gretchensjacobson.bsky.social @faithleonard.bsky.social @acinthedc.bsky.social via @commonwealthfund.org
How Will Making English the Official Language of the U.S. Affect Patients with Limited English Proficiency?
An executive order designating English the official language for federal operations could make it harder for non-English speakers to understand health care options.
www.commonwealthfund.org
December 9, 2025 at 12:31 AM
How Will Making English the Official Language of the U.S. Affect Patients with Limited English Proficiency? www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2025/ho... by @gretchensjacobson.bsky.social @faithleonard.bsky.social @acinthedc.bsky.social via @commonwealthfund.org
There are steps we can take to improve access to lifesaving drugs for patients, including the ones listed in this Health Affairs post. #pharmacoequity
Essential Drugs Must Be Affordable And Accessible www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore... by @jbudhu.bsky.social @eddiecliff.bsky.social
Essential Drugs Must Be Affordable And Accessible www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore... by @jbudhu.bsky.social @eddiecliff.bsky.social
Essential Drugs Must Be Affordable And Accessible | Health Affairs Forefront
When the sole manufacturer withdrew a critical cancer drug from Medicare and Medicaid, patients were left without options. Policy makers must act to ensure that essential drugs remain affordable and…
www.healthaffairs.org
December 8, 2025 at 8:29 PM
There are steps we can take to improve access to lifesaving drugs for patients, including the ones listed in this Health Affairs post. #pharmacoequity
Essential Drugs Must Be Affordable And Accessible www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore... by @jbudhu.bsky.social @eddiecliff.bsky.social
Essential Drugs Must Be Affordable And Accessible www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore... by @jbudhu.bsky.social @eddiecliff.bsky.social
Join us for a #webinar as we look back on a pivotal year for health equity and collective action. We'll bring together luminaries in the fields of #healthequity, democracy, policy transformation, and organizing.
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
December 8, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Join us for a #webinar as we look back on a pivotal year for health equity and collective action. We'll bring together luminaries in the fields of #healthequity, democracy, policy transformation, and organizing.
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
“It’s a full-on attack not only on Black political power but also on democracy.” @francoisehamlin.bsky.social
Supreme Court Case Threatens Mail-in Ballots for Black Voters capitalbnews.org/black-voting... by @brandontensley.bsky.social via @capitalb.bsky.social
Supreme Court Case Threatens Mail-in Ballots for Black Voters capitalbnews.org/black-voting... by @brandontensley.bsky.social via @capitalb.bsky.social
Supreme Court Case Threatens Mail-in Ballots for Black Voters
Various historical barriers to casting ballots in person make having a mail-in option crucial.
capitalbnews.org
December 7, 2025 at 6:43 PM
“It’s a full-on attack not only on Black political power but also on democracy.” @francoisehamlin.bsky.social
Supreme Court Case Threatens Mail-in Ballots for Black Voters capitalbnews.org/black-voting... by @brandontensley.bsky.social via @capitalb.bsky.social
Supreme Court Case Threatens Mail-in Ballots for Black Voters capitalbnews.org/black-voting... by @brandontensley.bsky.social via @capitalb.bsky.social
As the issues in healthcare continue to mount, more and more people will become impacted and suffer the long term consequences.
U.S. health care is broken. Here are 3 ways it's getting worse www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n... by @mariaaspan.bsky.social via @npr.org CC: @khemp.bsky.social
U.S. health care is broken. Here are 3 ways it's getting worse www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n... by @mariaaspan.bsky.social via @npr.org CC: @khemp.bsky.social
www.npr.org
December 6, 2025 at 6:43 PM
As the issues in healthcare continue to mount, more and more people will become impacted and suffer the long term consequences.
U.S. health care is broken. Here are 3 ways it's getting worse www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n... by @mariaaspan.bsky.social via @npr.org CC: @khemp.bsky.social
U.S. health care is broken. Here are 3 ways it's getting worse www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n... by @mariaaspan.bsky.social via @npr.org CC: @khemp.bsky.social
If we want to build sustainable partnerships that effectively address health-related social needs, we need to examine and challenge our underlying perceptions of value. #VOI #HRSN
To Build Effective Social-Care Investments, Change the Narrative About Them buff.ly/3YFAjbq
To Build Effective Social-Care Investments, Change the Narrative About Them buff.ly/3YFAjbq
December 5, 2025 at 8:29 PM
If we want to build sustainable partnerships that effectively address health-related social needs, we need to examine and challenge our underlying perceptions of value. #VOI #HRSN
To Build Effective Social-Care Investments, Change the Narrative About Them buff.ly/3YFAjbq
To Build Effective Social-Care Investments, Change the Narrative About Them buff.ly/3YFAjbq
These policies will bring untold harm to immigrant communities for generations.
Potential “Chilling Effects” of Public Charge and Other Immigration Policies on Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment www.kff.org/medicaid/pot... by @sartiga.bsky.social @drishp.bsky.social @mattrae.bsky.social via @kff.org
Potential “Chilling Effects” of Public Charge and Other Immigration Policies on Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment www.kff.org/medicaid/pot... by @sartiga.bsky.social @drishp.bsky.social @mattrae.bsky.social via @kff.org
Potential “Chilling Effects” of Public Charge and Other Immigration Policies on Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment | KFF
This issue brief reviews the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed rule that would rescind 2022 Biden-era public charge determination regulations. The proposed public charge changes along…
www.kff.org
December 5, 2025 at 6:43 PM
These policies will bring untold harm to immigrant communities for generations.
Potential “Chilling Effects” of Public Charge and Other Immigration Policies on Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment www.kff.org/medicaid/pot... by @sartiga.bsky.social @drishp.bsky.social @mattrae.bsky.social via @kff.org
Potential “Chilling Effects” of Public Charge and Other Immigration Policies on Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment www.kff.org/medicaid/pot... by @sartiga.bsky.social @drishp.bsky.social @mattrae.bsky.social via @kff.org
The healthcare setting should always be a safe space. These policies just harm communities unnecessarily. #immigration
Immigration policies are creating impossible choices for NICU families www.cleveland.com/opinion/2025... by @neodrswenson.bsky.social @emilymillermd.bsky.social via @cleveland.com
Immigration policies are creating impossible choices for NICU families www.cleveland.com/opinion/2025... by @neodrswenson.bsky.social @emilymillermd.bsky.social via @cleveland.com
Immigration policies are creating impossible choices for NICU families: Lelis Vernon, Sarah Swenson and Emily Miller
Protecting families in moments of crisis is not only a medical priority but also a moral one. The way we care for babies reflects who we are as a country and who we want to become, write guest…
www.cleveland.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:31 AM
The healthcare setting should always be a safe space. These policies just harm communities unnecessarily. #immigration
Immigration policies are creating impossible choices for NICU families www.cleveland.com/opinion/2025... by @neodrswenson.bsky.social @emilymillermd.bsky.social via @cleveland.com
Immigration policies are creating impossible choices for NICU families www.cleveland.com/opinion/2025... by @neodrswenson.bsky.social @emilymillermd.bsky.social via @cleveland.com
NEW #webinar: Join us as we look back on a pivotal year for health equity and collective action. We'll bring together luminaries in the fields of #healthequity, democracy, policy transformation, and organizing.
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
December 4, 2025 at 8:29 PM
NEW #webinar: Join us as we look back on a pivotal year for health equity and collective action. We'll bring together luminaries in the fields of #healthequity, democracy, policy transformation, and organizing.
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Rest, Resistance, and Hope: Reflections on 2025 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
We say that #publichealth moves at the speed of trust, and that trust is being broken by our government.
It’s not just vaccines. How RFK Jr. is reshaping public health messaging www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... by @dariustahir.bsky.social via @usatoday.com CC: @mckenziewilson.bsky.social
It’s not just vaccines. How RFK Jr. is reshaping public health messaging www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... by @dariustahir.bsky.social via @usatoday.com CC: @mckenziewilson.bsky.social
December 4, 2025 at 12:31 AM
We say that #publichealth moves at the speed of trust, and that trust is being broken by our government.
It’s not just vaccines. How RFK Jr. is reshaping public health messaging www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... by @dariustahir.bsky.social via @usatoday.com CC: @mckenziewilson.bsky.social
It’s not just vaccines. How RFK Jr. is reshaping public health messaging www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... by @dariustahir.bsky.social via @usatoday.com CC: @mckenziewilson.bsky.social