What in the Health Policy?!

By Ryann Hill MPH

Last month, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Black Health Connect Annual Conference here in DC. The panel, titled “What in the Health Policy?!”, brought together policy professionals for a real, grounded conversation about how federal health strategy is shifting and what that means for our work on the ground.

I opened by walking through a few key Executive Orders and the broader context behind them. Since taking office, President Trump has signed over 160 executive actions, including several that directly impact health programs and infrastructure. Recent orders have eliminated DEIA offices across federal agencies, instructed departments to shrink or sunset equity programs under the name of efficiency, and paused race-based data collection, limiting agencies’ ability to track disparities. These decisions have been layered on top of deep staffing cuts at HHS, the effects of DOGE, and funding rollbacks across public health and global health programs. At Indigo Hill Strategies, we have been helping clients unpack these shifts, understand the implications, and recalibrate their strategies in real time.

During the discussion, I was asked how organizations should engage this administration. My guidance was simple: be specific, be strategic, and stay steady. Broad messaging won’t move policy right now. Instead, focus on aligning your message with current agency or congressional priorities. Use the language that resonates with decision-makers. Point out problems, but always offer a solution that fits within the current policy framework. And bring partners to the table.

We also talked about what resilience looks like in a moment like this. I shared that for me, it’s about relationships, relevance, and repetition. Who are your trusted partners? Is your message still timely? Are you showing up consistently? Advocacy work isn’t always headline-grabbing. Sometimes the most important work happens quietly, in the rooms where decisions are made, with people who refuse to back down. Indigo Hill Strategies helps clients build that kind of presence—long-term, consistent, and grounded in real impact.

On coalition building, I shared a reminder that strong coalitions don’t require uniformity. They require clarity and alignment. The most effective coalitions are the ones that agree on a clear goal, use a mix of tactics inside and outside government, and know who is responsible for what. Whether we’re supporting a national nonprofit, a grassroots movement, or a cross-sector alliance, Indigo Hill Strategies focuses on getting our clients into position to lead, contribute, and win.

Whether you are responding to new policy, building a coalition, or preparing for a critical meeting on the Hill, our team is here to help you lead with strategy and purpose. The landscape may be evolving, but your work still matters—and the right strategy can make it count.

Ryann D. Hill, MPH

Founder and CEO

Indigo Hill Strategies