2026 Advocacy Priorities
At the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF), advocacy and data are a powerful tool for creating lasting change. We work alongside community members, partners, and policymakers to shape policies and systems that promote health, economic mobility, and family well-being across the Mat-Su Borough.
Our 2026 Advocacy Priorities are grounded in community voice, data, and lived experience. They reflect the most pressing needs identified by our board, staff, and partners:
Housing & Homelessness
We support policies that expand access to affordable, humane housing and prevent the criminalization of homelessness. Our advocacy promotes zoning reform, transitional housing, and tenant protections.
Childcare & Early Childhood Systems
We champion investment in early relational health, childcare workforce development, and family connection. We believe every child deserves a nurturing start and every parent deserves support.
Behavioral Health & Substance Use
We advocate for trauma-informed behavioral health services, mental health access, and substance use recovery programs. Our work includes support for expansion and peer-led models of care.
Transportation & Economic Mobility
We promote solutions that remove transportation barriers and support workforce development. Our goal is to ensure every resident can access jobs, healthcare, and education.
Health Equity & Access
We push for healthcare affordability, data transparency, and inclusive care models. We support policies that address disparities and uplift underserved populations. Meeting communities where they are and allocating resources and opportunities based on individual needs to create equal outcomes for all community members.
Strategies to advance policy change:
- Legislative advocacy at the local, state and federal level
- Cross-Sector partnerships with nonprofits, government, and civic groups
- Community education and public awareness campaigns
- Funding and grants to support aligned advocacy efforts
- Data and research initiatives to inform policy decisions