2024 Annual Conference – Policy Wrap Up
Learn more about all the topics discussed:
AI and the Evolution of State Policy: Shaping the Future of Governance
This hot issue is still simmering, and NFWL was excited to offer some time with subject matter experts on AI. We covered the history of AI, what legislation is trending in this space for 2025, and how we can focus on what is already illegal and making sure it remains illegal as the technology changes.
- Adelina Cooke, Global AI Policy Lead for Google Cloud
- Erin McKinney, Policy Counsel, Amazon Web Services
- Katie Watson Jordan, Product Strategy & Governance Policy Manager, Meta
Important Links and Resources:
The Road to Retail
The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) Retail Readiness Academy was on display on our stage and the ways in which they and Walmart are incubating innovators in Atlanta. Learn about the annual Open Call event, Khroma Kolors, Brown Toy Box and the value of paving the way for economic mobility.
- Terri Bradley, RICE Retail Readiness Academy, Brown Toy Box
- Shanise Thomason, Khroma Kolors, 2024 Open Call Golden Ticket
- Deborah Herron, Director, Public Affairs and Government Relations, Walmart
Plaque Psoriasis: The Importance of Dedicating Research and Resources to People of Color in Healthcare
Innovative biologic treatments can overcome challenges due to limited medical research and education, as well as underrepresentation in clinical research and make strides to improve health outcomes in POC. Learn more about this issue, who it impacts, and how elected women can support these efforts.
- Daphne Chan, PhD, MHEcon, Head of Dermatology Medical Affairs, Johnson & Johnson
Connect with [email protected] for more information on this topic
340B: What Legislators Should Know
This session reviewed the history and growth of the 340B Drug Pricing Program, cover polling data on systematic barriers to care that patients are facing at hospitals, as well as patient views. The polling will focus on what patients think their legislators should do to fix the program, in hopes that it can return to its original purpose of helping patients – not the bottom lines of hospitals and for-profit pharmacies.
- Introduction: Senator Gale Adcock, North Carolina State Legislature, NFWL Board
- Sharon Lamberton, MS, RN, Deputy VP of State Policy and External Outreach, PhRMA
- Cynthia Hicks, Director, Public Affairs, PhRMA
Important Links and Resources:
Social Media: How to Protect our Youth
This session looked at policies that include age verification, parental controls, content moderation, and mental health resources to create a safer, more responsible online environment for young users.
- Nicole Lopez, Safety Policy Director for Youth, Meta
Georgia’s Coordinated Response to Alzheimer’s – Improving Access to Diagnosis and Treatment
With the historic approval of treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, state governments will play a pivotal role in this new era, ensuring constituents receive an early and accurate diagnosis, allowing individuals and families to receive the most benefit as early as possible. This session will explore how the State of Georgia has invested in a coordinated system supporting early diagnosis, referrals to care and support, and access to new FDA-approved treatments.
- Rebecca McIntosh, Project Director, Georgia Memory Net, Emory University Department of Neurology
- MaryLea Boatwright Quinn, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Division of AgingServices, Georgia Department of Human Services
- Jennifer Rosen, Vice President, State Affairs, Alzheimer’s Association
The Cost of Doing Nothing: Financial Security for an Evolving Workforce
Explore the financial risks state governments face by not adapting policies to support an evolving workforce and learn more about emphasizing saving as a critical proactive measure to ensure long-term financial security and protection in a shifting economy.
- Kim Olson, Senior Officer, Retirement Savings, The Pew Charitable Trusts
- Alyssa Doom, State and Federal Public Policy, Shipt
- Anna Doroghazi, Associate State Director, Advocacy and Outreach, AARP
Important Links and Resources:
Maternal Mental Health Policy
A critical issue that state policies must address to support mothers during and after pregnancy, this session looked at policies including expanding access to mental health care, screening for postpartum depression, providing resources for early intervention, and ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage to improve outcomes for both mothers and children.
- Introduction: Representative Lydia Glaize, Georgia State Legislature
- Toby Goldsmith, MD, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University
- Kimberly Seals, Executive Director, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia
- Miriam Goodfriend, Director of Advocacy, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia
Important Links and Reources:
Diabesity: Patient, Provider, and Policy Perspectives
We explored diabetes policy solutions with this panel, focusing on access to care, affordability of insulin, and prevention initiatives. Experts discussed the role of state policies in improving outcomes, reducing disparities, and addressing the diabetes epidemic in communities.
- Introduction: Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, New Jersey State Legislature, NFWL Board
- Tekisha Dwan Everete, PhD, MPA, MPH, CPH, Executive Vice President, Trust for America’s Health
- John Anderson, MD, Internal Medicine and Diabetes Practitioner, Frist Clinic in Nashville, TN
Important Links and Resources:
From Risks to Reasons: Prevention for Women
Black women are disproportionately impacted by HIV but are often left out of the conversation. ViiV Healthcare’s Risk to Reasons Initiative is designed to reframe and refocus conversations about HIV for Black women and is set out to change the narrative around ‘HIV Risk’ to instead focus on women’s motivating reasons for prevention. Risk to Reasons is a co-created effort and the largest philanthropic commitment to Black women around HIV prevention in the US, raising awareness and action in communities across the country. This session will explore how HIV is impacting women, the community investments that are prioritizing Black women, and strategies for addressing stigma around HIV.
- Introduction: Representative Lisa Subeck, Wisconsin State Legislature, NFWL Board
- Facilitator: J. Maurice McCants-Pearsall, Director, Government Relations, ViiV Healthcare/GSK
- Tori Cooper, Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative, Human Rights Campaign
- Masonia Traylor, HIV Advocate, Community Advisory Board Member for The Well Project of Atlanta
Tobacco Risk Mitigation and Initiatives
This session examined strategies for tobacco risk prevention, focusing on policies to reduce youth access, regulate e-cigarettes, and educate communities on health risks.
- Introduction: Senator Lisa Krasner, Nevada State Legislature, NFWL Board
- Richard W. Marianos, Retired Assistant Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives & Professor at Georgetown University
- Christine Sedorook, School Counselor
End Diagnostic Delays for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: The Need for Newborn Screening
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a devastating, rare pediatric neuromuscular disease that affects 1 in 3,500 to 5,000 newborn males. Sadly, most patients and families living with Duchenne are unnecessarily forced to endure long, costly, and emotional diagnostic journeys as they seek answers. This session discussed more about Duchenne muscular dystrophy and how states can offer new hope and support for constituents living with this rare disease.
- Introduction: Senator Gayle Harrell, Florida State Legislature
- Casey Caldwell, Associate Director, State Government Affairs, Sarepta Therapeutics
- Alpa Khushalani, Mother of a son living with Muscular Dystrophy
Important Links and Resources:
Counterfeit Drugs in the Obesity Space
Using unprescribed medications can pose serious health risks, undermining treatment efficacy and endangering lives. This session will highlight the need for regulations, public awareness, and enhanced enforcement to protect patients and ensure access to safe, effective weight-loss medications.
- Brad Jordan, Associate Vice President, Regulatory Policy and Strategy Diabetes, Obesity, Cardiovascular & Immunology, Eli Lilly
Bridging Gaps with Broadband Policy
State broadband policy drives transformative access to high-speed internet, bridging gaps in underserved areas. Learn more about how boosting infrastructure, affordability, and digital equity, states empower communities with new opportunities in education, healthcare, and economic growth.
- Introduction: Representative Rhonda Burnough, Georgia State Legislature
- Moderator: Lyndsay Moyer, Vice President, State Government Affairs, Comcast
- Jessica Simmons, Deputy State Chief Information Officer and Executive Director of the Georgia Broadband Program
- Oneisha Freeman Rojales, Digital Connectivity Manager, Georgia Technology Authority
Legislative Approaches to Prescription Drug Affordability
With rising concerns over prescription drug affordability, state legislators are increasingly considering ways to address drug prices. Given that “affordability” is often subjective, and good health and quality of life are invaluable, it is important for prescription drug affordability legislation to be premised upon clear principles. In this fair-minded, consumer-focused session, the speakers will discuss prescription drug pricing, value, and affordability. They will examine state legislative approaches and real-world outcomes, and recommend two sensible principles that should underpin states’ efforts to improve prescription drug affordability.
- Introduction: Representative Mary Franson, Minnesota State Legislature
- Ashira Vantrees, Aimed Alliance, Director of Legal Strategy and Advocacy
- Olivia Backhaus, Aimed Alliance, Staff Attorney
Proposed Conference Resolutions
For continued discussion on resolutions, sign up for our Policy Committee by emailing Brenna at [email protected].
