Choose Healthy Life Hosts Capitol Hill Reception with Congressional Leaders and Coalition of Health Equity Organizations

Sep 13

This week, Choose Healthy Life hosted an impactful reception on Capitol Hill titled "Addressing Health Equity - We are NOT Going Back to Normal!” during the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference. The event convened Congressional leaders, faith leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, community-based organizations, and valued corporate partners to tackle health disparities, celebrate achievements, and spotlight ongoing efforts.

Our speakers shed light on important legislation that impacts the coalition of health equity organizations that were gathered, such as the Health Equity Innovation Act of 2024, the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, and reforms for the 340b Drug Pricing Program. We’re thankful for our Congressional speakers Sen. Raphael Warnock (GA) (CHL Clergy Council Member), Sen. Cory Booker (NJ), Rep. Jim Clyburn (SC-6), and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) who are fighting with us to pass this legislation and address health disparities.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to our Board of Directors, Clergy Council, Medical Advisory Board, corporate partners, government partners and our valued coalition of health equity and community-based organizations for making this such a wonderful event.

Enjoy some highlights captured in photos from the event below! (image captions only available on desktop)

Choose Healthy Life Executive Director Rev. Kimberly Williams opens the event

CHL Executive Director Rev. Kimberly Williams with Rep. Jim Clyburn (SC)

Our Moderators for the evening: CHL Medical Advisory Board Member Dr. Reed Tuckson, & CHL New York Clergy Leader Rev. Jacques A. DeGraff

Senator and CHL Clergy Council Member Sen. Raphael Warnock (GA) addresses the audience

CHL Executive Director Rev. Kimberly Williams welcomes impactful Health Equity organizations

Sen. Cory Booker (NJ) speaks to the audience about the Health Equity Innovation Act of 2024

(from left to right) CHL Newark Clergy Leader Rev. David Jefferson Sr., Rep. Jim Clyburn (SC), Rev. Williams, and CHL Detroit Clergy Leader Rev. Horace Sheffield III

Sen. Cory Booker (NJ) with CHL Partner Ruth Clements, President East Region, Quest Diagnostics

CHL Newark Clergy Leader Rev. David Jefferson Sr., and CHL Health Navigator Supervisor Lady Linda Jefferson open the event in prayer

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI) speaks to the audience about the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) and Reform for the 340b Drug Pricing Program

Grace Bonilla, CHL Board Member and President & CEO of United Way of New York City, CHL's local implementation partner for New York, is recognized

CHL Board Member Sandra Thurman is recognized

CHL Board Member Cornelius Baker is recognized

Siemens Foundation CEO David Etzwiler speaks on the partnership with CHL and their support of the Health Navigator program

Quest Diagnostics President East Region Ruth Clements speaks to the audience about Quest's founding partnership with CHL

CHL Executive Director Rev. Kimberly Williams with Dr. Creshema Murray, Vice President & Chief of Staff, Interim Vice President of Government Affairs, Office of the President and CEO at the Morehouse School of Medicine

CHL Chief Operating Officer Ron Ticho with Damon Davis, Associate Director Alliance Development at Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk graciously sponsored the event.

Moderator Rev. Jacques DeGraff introduces Divinah "Dee" Bailey, Chief of Operations at the African American Clergy & Elected Officials (AACEO)

CHL Washington, D.C. Clergy Leader Rev. Kendrick Curry welcomes the crowd to his home city

Sen. Raphael Warnock (GA) (left) with CHL Executive Director Rev. Kimberly Williams, and CHL Newark Clergy Leader Rev. David Jefferson Sr. (right)

CHL Executive Director Rev. Kimberly Williams welcomes impactful Health Equity organizations

Members of CHL's National Black Clergy Health Leadership Council in attendance (from left to right): Rev. Kendrick Curry (DC), Rev. Horace Sheffield III (Detroit), Rev. David Jefferson Sr. (Newark), Rev. Jacques A. DeGraff (NY), and Rev. Nelson Rivers (SC)

CHL Chief Operating Officer Ron Ticho with Rev. Que English, Director of HHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and CHL Supporter

CHL Board Member Cornelius Baker (left), Chief Operating Officer Ron Ticho (middle), and CHL Board Member Sandra Thurman (right) listen to remarks

Rep. Jim Clyburn addresses the audience

Several Health Equity organizations listen to Congressional remarks

Remarks from Dr. Creshema Murray, Vice President & Chief of Staff, Interim Vice President of Government Affairs, Office of the President and CEO at the Morehouse School of Medicine

Remarks from Divinah "Dee" Bailey, Chief of Operations at the African American Clergy & Elected Officials (AACEO)

Sen. Cory Booker (NJ) and CHL Health Navigator Supervisor Lady Linda Jefferson

CHL Executive Director Rev. Kimberly Williams and Chief Operating Offiver Ron Ticho welcome impactful Health Equity organizations

Moderators CHL Medical Advisory Board Member Dr. Reed Tuckson, & CHL New York Clergy Leader Rev. Jacques A. DeGraff

CHL Executive Director Rev. Kimberly Williams delivers closing remarks

Nick Mansour

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