Episode #421 Navigating Public Health Policy Change, With Anne Reid
- Laura Hollabaugh
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- Sep 8
- 3 min read
On This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
Dr. Huntley sits down with Anne Morris Reid, Policy Director at the Funders Forum on Accountable Health and lecturer at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health. The conversation explores Anne’s inspiring career spanning senior policy roles within the federal government, her dedication to community-driven, multi-sector partnerships, and the impact of landmark legislation like the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill (the “one big beautiful bill”). Together, Dr. Huntley and Anne unpack the vital differences between public health and healthcare, highlight actionable strategies for advocacy, and empower listeners to create positive change in their communities. Even in challenging political climates.
Meet Anne Reid
Anne Morris Reid, MPH, Policy Director of the Funders Forum on Accountable Health project, is also Lecturer in the Health Policy and Management Department at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University. She began consulting with GWU in 2022 and staffed the Commonwealth Fund Commission on a National Public Health System; a more expansive Department role started in 2023. For over a decade, Reid served in a range of senior-level policy and leadership positions in the Legislative and Executive branches of the federal government, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Counselor to the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate, and Professional Staff to the Energy and Commerce Committee. While Counselor to the Secretary, she developed and executed regulatory, legislative, public affairs, and budget strategy with a focus on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Resources and Services Administration, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. On Capitol Hill, she contributed to the drafting and steerage of workforce provisions during the development and implementation of the Affordable Care Act. She was later promoted to serve as the lead Energy and Commerce Democratic staffer handling hearings and legislative markups for a range of public health agencies and issues. Reid received her BA from Harvard College and MPH from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Listen To This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
Conversation Highlights
Public health and epidemiology are foundational for understanding and improving population health, distinct from clinical healthcare.
Anne Morris Reid's journey reflects how family influences, diverse education, and broad policy experience shape impactful leadership in public health.
Community-driven, multi-sector partnerships are essential for tackling health inequities and addressing complex social determinants of health, especially when every sector, including healthcare, public health, and social services works together.
The 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill will have deep and lasting impacts on health coverage and food assistance, making advocacy and storytelling more crucial than ever.
Storytelling through personal outreach, op-eds, or social media, is a powerful tool for influencing policymakers and safeguarding critical public health programs.
Self-care and strategic information management are vital for professionals tasked with tracking fast-changing policy developments.
Understanding the role and impact of maternal mortality review committees illuminates how epidemiology translates into actionable policy and life-saving interventions.
Every individual can drive change: direct action, coalition-building, and ongoing accountability are needed to hold leaders responsible for community well-being.
“The public health perspective is about understanding population-level patterns and designing community-based solutions before issues reach the clinical setting.” — Anne Morris Reid
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DrCHHuntley LLC is a public health consulting firm that specializes in epidemiology consulting, supporting large nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida that serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). We also provide nationwide public health consulting and epidemiology consulting support to BIPOC organizations across the United States.
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