S8, Ep 18- Health Agencies Face Major Cuts: What’s at Stake in the 2026 Budget

This week on The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, breaks down two major stories: sweeping proposed cuts to key federal health agencies in the 2026 U.S. budget, and a new national partnership between GHLF and Walgreens aimed at improving care for chronic skin conditions. Steven explains what’s at stake, how advocacy can influence policy decisions, and why pharmacists are essential allies in supporting skin health. Among the highlights in this episode: 00:34: Steven breaks down the proposed 26% cut to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including a 40% cut to NIH and 44% to CDC 01:00: Steven explains the impact of these cuts on medical research, vaccine surveillance, and chronic disease care 01:56: Steven discusses how Indian Health Services and HRSA programs would also be severely reduced, putting vulnerable populations at further risk 02:43: Steven emphasizes that this is a proposed budget and not a done deal—public advocacy still has power 03:10: Steven urges listeners to contact their members of Congress and help make budget policy personal for patients 03:40: The episode pivots to good news: GHLF’s new campaign with Walgreens: Your Skin, Your Health: How Pharmacists Help You Take Control To watch the videos from the campaign and explore more resources from GHLF and Walgreens, visit: https://linktr.ee/YourSkinYourHealth 03:58: Steven introduces the campaign’s focus on empowering patients with HS, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia through pharmacist guidance 04:28: Steven explains why pharmacists are ideal allies in chronic skin care—offering support from symptom recognition to navigating insurance 05:01: Steven outlines how the campaign will reach millions across GHLF and Walgreens channels, with weekly videos and actionable resources 05:40: He reflects on why this campaign matters: for many patients, it provides long-overdue validation and support from trusted professionals Contact Our Host Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.