Erin Sinisgalli and the New York State Public Health Association
The recent success of the New York State Public Health Association in safeguarding public health funding provides valuable lessons for advocates across the nation. Facing a significant budget deficit, the New York State Public Health Association showcased how collaborative advocacy can protect essential community programs, even in tough fiscal times. Erin Sinisgalli, Executive Director of NYSPHA, recently shared insights on how the organization effectively secured public health funding during New York’s 2024 budget negotiations. The state confronted a $5 billion budget deficit, and public health funding was at risk of being cut—a common scenario when lawmakers seek areas to save money. However, through coordinated efforts, NYSPHA and its partners ensured that no cuts were made to public health programs.
According to Sinisgalli, public health funding has historically been vulnerable during times of financial strain. “Public health tends to be an easy cut for lawmakers and in the past, it has been hit with large cuts,” she explained. This vulnerability arises from the lower visibility of public health initiatives, which are typically preventative and long-term. Programs that prevent disease outbreaks, promote healthy lifestyles, or address health disparities are essential but often viewed as less urgent compared to crisis response or more tangible services. Their benefits, although critical, are less immediate, making it more difficult for lawmakers to prioritize them during budget shortfalls
Advocacy Strategy
As the new fiscal year–beginning April 1, 2024–approached, there was significant concern that the state’s budget shortfall would lead to reductions in programs essential to the well-being of communities. When the threat of cuts became clear, NYSPHA quickly sprang into action. Collaboration was at the heart of their advocacy strategy. NYSPHA partnered with key stakeholders, including the New York State Association of County Health Officials and the New York State Association for Rural Health. Together, they conducted advocacy and budget planning meetings, with staff from these organizations participating in NYSPHA’s Policy and Advocacy Committee calls. Additionally, NYSPHA collaborated with groups such as the American Cancer Society, Parks & Trails New York, and the Open Space Institute to join advocacy days, amplifying their message across various channels, sectors.
A targeted social media campaign was a significant component of NYSPHA’s strategy. This campaign, which ran from late February to early April, aimed to educate lawmakers in the Albany area about the essential role public health professionals play in protecting and improving community health. It wasn’t solely focused on policymakers; the public was also engaged in raising awareness of the importance of public health funding. NYSPHA sent action alerts to its members, urging them to contact their lawmakers. The emphasis of these communications was on education rather than lobbying, encouraging lawmakers to recognize the value of public health. Although the campaign faced no direct opposition, there were no immediate assurances of success.
“We were met with positivity throughout the legislative session but no guarantees of funding,” Sinisgalli reflected. Despite this uncertainty, the collective efforts of multiple organizations working together made a meaningful impact. Lawmakers became more familiar with the work of public health advocates and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which likely reinforced the need for strong public health systems.
The Power of Partnerships
Ultimately, the advocacy efforts paid off. New York state’s public health programs preserved full funding for the fiscal year, with no reductions from the previous year’s budget. Sinisgalli and her team celebrated this achievement, knowing that essential services and programs across the state would continue uninterrupted for the next year. Reflecting on the campaign, she identified partnerships as the essential element of success in this advocacy effort. By uniting different organizations that shared a common interest in public health, they could combine resources and enhance their impact. Sinisgalli views these partnerships as vital for future advocacy initiatives, and NYSPHA intends to strengthen these relationships in the coming years.
Sinisgalli contemplated the experience, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. “Always find partners who share the same vested interest so we can combine resources and avoid reinventing the wheel,” she stated. By collaborating, NYSPHA and its partners made a compelling case for the importance of public health, ensuring these programs continue to benefit New Yorkers. The success of this advocacy campaign showcases the power of teamwork and determination. Looking forward, Sinisgalli is optimistic that NYSPHA will continue to protect public health through strategic partnerships and a commitment to educating both lawmakers and the public.
–
About the Author
Ursula Oguejiofor is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she earned her master’s in public health with a concentration in Epidemiology. Currently serving as an Affiliate Affairs Specialist at the American Public Health Association, Ursula brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to her role.