Breaking It Down: What’s Happening with the Department of Education and Medicaid and HHS—And Why It Matters
At BWHI, we know policy changes are coming at us from all directions, but we’re here to make sense of it all. This week, we’re diving into two major issues that could have profound consequences for Black women’s health and education: the potential dismantling of the Department of Education and proposed changes to Medicaid.
The Future of the Department of Education: What’s at Stake?
The Department of Education is facing an unprecedented threat of closure under a proposed executive order that would initiate a two-step process: first, directing the department to create a plan to wind down its functions, and second, reallocating its powers to other agencies—pending congressional approval.
At the same time, there are troubling developments within the department itself. Dozens of employees were recently placed on administrative leave for attending diversity training in 2019, a move echoing policies from former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’s tenure. Additionally, current employees are being pressured to resign as part of a buyout initiative, which offers pay through October but leaves those who refuse at risk of termination without compensation.
These changes could have devastating effects on Black women and girls, particularly when it comes to school-based health education. Education isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about ensuring young Black girls receive the knowledge they need to take charge of their health.
Why This Matters for Black Women and Girls
School-based health programs provide essential education on:
✔️ Physical health and wellness
✔️ Mental health awareness and support
✔️ Reproductive health education
✔️ Nutrition and disease prevention
✔️ Health equity awareness
If federal education programs are dismantled or significantly weakened, these critical health education initiatives could be at risk—widening the already existing disparities in Black women’s health.
How We Take Action Locally
While federal policies may shift, we hold power in our communities. Here’s how we can protect health education:
1️ Engage with Your Local School Board
🔹 Advocate for comprehensive health education
🔹 Attend meetings and share your concerns
🔹 Push for policies that support Black girls’ health needs
2️ Strengthen Community Partnerships
🔹 Work with local health organizations
🔹 Support after-school health programs
🔹 Create community-led health education initiatives
3️ Make Your Voice Heard
🔹 Contact local representatives and policymakers
🔹 Demand funding for school health programs
🔹 Support legislation that protects health education
4️ Build Community-Led Resources
🔹 Organize health education workshops
🔹 Develop support networks for parents
🔹 Empower youth through leadership programs
Despite challenges at the federal level, our strength lies in grassroots action. Together, we can ensure our daughters and communities continue to receive the education and health resources they need to thrive.
Medicaid: The Lifeline That’s Now Under Threat
When we talk about healthcare access, we have to start with the reality: Medicaid is a vital lifeline for 72 million people in the U.S. For many Black women, it’s the difference between getting preventive care or waiting until a health crisis forces an ER visit. It’s also a crucial safety net for maternal healthcare, chronic disease management, and mental health services.
But right now, Medicaid is facing serious threats from proposed changes in Congress that could drastically reshape the program.
Proposed Changes Under Discussion
🚨 Capping federal funds per Medicaid beneficiary
🚨 Turning Medicaid into a block grant program
🚨 Adjusting federal matching rates for state programs
🚨 Adding stricter eligibility requirements
🚨 Restricting how states can fund their programs
These proposed shifts would reduce Medicaid’s ability to respond to public health needs and disproportionately harm communities of color, particularly Black women who already face higher rates of maternal mortality, chronic conditions, and economic barriers to care.
What’s Really at Stake?
The potential Medicaid cuts aren’t just bureaucratic—they could directly impact the lives of millions of Black women by making it harder to access:
✔️ Maternal and reproductive healthcare – Including prenatal, postpartum, and birth control access
✔️ Chronic disease management – For diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and more
✔️ Mental health services – Counseling, therapy, and crisis intervention
✔️ Preventive care – Screenings, vaccinations, and early disease detection
✔️ Specialist care – Access to critical treatments and lifesaving medications
How We Fight Back
📢 Stay Informed – Keep up with policy changes that affect Medicaid in your state
📢 Share Your Story – Your experiences with healthcare access can shape policy
📢 Engage with Advocacy Groups – Support organizations working to protect healthcare access
📢 Call Your Representatives – Demand that they protect Medicaid and oppose harmful cuts
The Bottom Line: Health Equity Is Non-Negotiable
This isn’t just about politics—it’s about the fundamental right to healthcare and education. Whether it’s school-based health programs or access to essential healthcare services, Black women cannot afford to be left behind.
BWHI will continue to break down these critical issues and provide the tools you need to take action. Stay tuned, stay informed, and most importantly—stay engaged. Our futures depend on it.
Protecting Public Health: Why HHS Leadership Matters for Black Women’s Health
As we navigate critical moments in public health policy, the Black Women’s Health Imperative remains focused on how changes at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could affect our community’s health outcomes. Recent leadership changes at HHS raise important questions about the future of essential health programs that our communities rely on.
The Stakes for Black Women’s Health
HHS oversees crucial programs that directly impact Black women’s health, including:
- Medicare and Medicaid administration
- Maternal health initiatives
- Programs addressing health disparities
- Medical research funding
- Reproductive healthcare access
- Vaccine and immunization programs
- Public health emergency response
Our communities are still grappling with multiple health crises. Black women continue to face disproportionate maternal mortality rates, limited access to reproductive healthcare, and barriers to quality medical care. Now more than ever, we need strong, science-based leadership at HHS that understands these challenges and is committed to evidence-based solutions.
Historical Context and Current Concerns
Public health achievements over the past century – from vaccine programs to maternal health initiatives – have significantly improved life expectancy and health outcomes in our communities. Any retreat from evidence-based public health policies could disproportionately impact Black women and their families.
Looking ahead, we must ensure that HHS maintains its commitment to:
- Science-based decision making
- Health equity initiatives
- Maternal health programs
- Reproductive healthcare access
- Strong Medicare and Medicaid programs
- Evidence-based vaccine policies
Taking Action
This is the moment for our communities to engage at both local and national levels:
- Stay informed about HHS policies affecting our communities
- Engage with local health departments and advocacy groups
- Share your healthcare experiences with policymakers
- Support organizations fighting for health equity
- Hold leadership accountable for protecting public health programs
The Path Forward
The health of our communities depends on strong, science-based public health leadership. As we face continued challenges in maternal health, healthcare access, and health equity, we must remain vigilant in advocating for policies and leadership that protect and advance Black women’s health.