New advocacy organization will launch in Washington as national health groups gather to address healthcare access, workforce development and health disparities.

A new advocacy organization focused on the health of Hispanic and underserved communities is set to launch in Washington, D.C., bringing healthcare access, health disparities and workforce issues directly into federal and state policy conversations.

The National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF) announced that it will launch the NHHF Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization, during its 2026 DC Leadership Reception on September 16. The organization says the Action Fund will advocate for policies aimed at improving access to quality healthcare, addressing health disparities and supporting a more diverse healthcare workforce.

The announcement comes as NHHF joins the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) for the Washington event. Leaders from healthcare, government, academia, philanthropy and the private sector are expected to participate.

NHHF Action Fund Brings Hispanic Health Priorities to Policymakers

The launch gives NHHF a new vehicle specifically focused on public policy and advocacy.

Dr. Elena Rios, founder and president of NHHF, said the Action Fund will hold its first Capitol Hill Day and meet with members of Congress and senators about issues affecting Hispanic and underserved communities.

The distinction is significant. NHHF’s existing work focuses on areas including health leadership, research and education. The new Action Fund expands that work into advocacy around federal and state health policy.

“We are proud to announce the NHHF Action Fund at the reception,” Andres Ramirez, president of the Action Fund, said in announcing the organization. Ramirez described the launch as a step toward expanding health advocacy and policy efforts affecting Hispanic communities.

For communities that continue to experience barriers to healthcare, the policy discussions behind issues such as affordability, access to providers, participation in clinical research and development of the healthcare workforce can have consequences that reach far beyond Washington.

The September 16 event will also recognize leaders involved in those policy discussions.

NHHF plans to present Hispanic Health Leadership Awards to Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Rep. Raul Ruiz, MD, of California. According to NHHF, Cortez Masto is being recognized for work involving prescription drug costs, rural and tribal healthcare access, Medicare, mental health and maternal care. Ruiz is being recognized for work involving healthcare access, the community health workforce, medical training in underserved areas and participation in clinical research.

“My priorities have always been increasing access to quality care for the people who need it most,” Ruiz said in the NHHF announcement, pointing to lowering healthcare costs and expanding coverage as priorities.

Investing in the Next Generation of Health Leaders

The reception will also recognize NHHF’s 2026 Health Professional Student Scholarship recipients, Leadership Physician Fellows and leaders of the Hispanic Health Professionals Network.

That workforce component is particularly connected to the organization’s broader mission. NHHF says its work includes strengthening leadership, research and education to support culturally responsive health professionals and improve care for Hispanic and underserved populations.

The 2026 DC Leadership Reception will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, at The University Club in Washington, D.C. Actor and comedian Gabe Pacheco will serve as master of ceremonies.

The gathering is supported by United Health Foundation, Pfizer, Centene Corporation, AAMC and Johnson & Johnson, with several Latino-focused publications participating as media partners.

For NHHF, however, the evening will mark more than an annual recognition event. The launch of an organization dedicated specifically to advocacy creates a new channel for bringing concerns affecting Hispanic and underserved communities into health policy discussions—and for connecting community health priorities with the policymakers who can act on them.