July 26, 2022

July newsletter: GIH conference, 988 launch, policy wins and more!

Subscribe to our newsletter! 

Breaking down siloes, building power: Reflection from the 2022 Grantmakers in Health conference

Last month, I attended the annual Grantmakers in Health (GIH) conference, along with thousands of other leaders in philanthropy from across the country who are working to build a healthier future for all. Although I attend this conference regularly, this was unlike any other – it took place just days after the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, taking away a constitutional right from half the population and throwing the reproductive health of millions into potential jeopardy. It also comes at a time when the nation feels under siege from gun violence, yet another wave of COVID-19 is surging, our democracy is being threatened from within and public trust in our institutions is at an all-time low. How did we get here, and how does philanthropy need to shift to meet this moment?

Read more in this month’s blog from our president & CEO, Nikki Vernick>>

 

988 is now live!

988, the new national mental health crisis helpline, officially launched on July 16. Whenever you call this number, whether here in Howard County or anywhere else in the nation, you are guaranteed quality and safe care for mental health and substance use emergencies. No need to look up any national toll-free number. No need to look for the “right” local 10-digit emergency number. Simply call or text 988 and you will get free, immediate, confidential help you need from a trained counselor.

Learn more in this Business Monthly column from our Chief Program Officer, Glenn Schneider>>
Visit www.988helpline.org>>

 

Check out our recent policy wins

The Horizon Foundation believes that we need policy and systems change to help make Howard County healthier. From record funding for biking and walking, to bringing mental health services to all Howard County public schools, to advancing racial equity, to making advance care planning more accessible for all Marylanders, we’ve been very busy with our partners in recent years advocating for policies that will build a healthier future for everyone. Learn more about our policy victories in recent years.

Read about our recent legislative wins>>
Learn more about our policy work through the years>>

 

Congratulations, Kenitra Fokwa – 2022 Terrance Keenan Institute Fellow!

We’re so proud of our senior program officer, Kenitra Fokwa, for being named to the 2022 class of fellows for the Terrance Keenan Institute for Emerging Leaders in Health Philanthropy! This prestigious program focuses on leadership development, exploration of critical issues facing philanthropy and building collegial connections that can endure throughout fellows’ careers. Please join us in congratulating Kenitra!

Learn more about Grantmakers in Health’s TKI Fellowship>>

 

Staff picks: what we’re reading, watching and listening to