Opportunities and Inspiration in Tough Times

Dear Community,

It's been a wild summer. Federal attacks on communities, cruel policy and funding changes, and WA's ongoing budget challenges are keeping us busy. We're navigating new rules, roadblocks, and skyrocketing prices -- all while working to keep our loved ones safe. And we're experiencing one of the worst wildfire summers in state history.

Still, our NoHLA community -- that's you! -- remains strong, resourceful, and resilient. We couldn't be more grateful. Here are some recent NoHLA partner highlights that made us smile and give us hope:

Maji Rising brought community together for a Village of Care Aug. 22-23 in Spokane's Liberty Park. The Village offered access to health care, housing, education, financial resources, food, music, culture, and community. All for free, no strings attached, no hoops to jump through, and produced by and for community.

Excelsior Wellness celebrated the grand opening of a new 25-unit intergenerational apartment community on July 22. Located on NW Boulevard in Spokane, The Landing creates permanent housing opportunities for young adults exiting foster care and older adults seeking stable, affordable housing. Community-centered from the start, The Landing is designed to build stability, connection, and wellness among its residents.

Central Washington Disability Resources (led by NoHLA Board member Mayra Colazo) and Unidos Nueva Alianza Foundation (UNA) welcomed NoHLA's co-executive directors to central WA last week. We spent the day learning new perspectives, hearing about local health care experiences and priorities, and deepening connections with outstanding allies.

Our partners' work reminds us of the boundlespower of community. Thank you ALL for being part of ours.

headshots of two smiling women both wearing black and white patterned shirts

With resolve and solidarity,

Emily Brice & Daphne Smith

NoHLA Co-Executive Directors

See you in September at Mending Health Care with Community?

Last day for early bird registration is August 31. Don't miss out!

Notes from the Field

Health care accountability, access, and affordability news to know.

Protecting Immigrant Health and Long-Term Care

Effective Oct. 1, 2026, due to federal H.R. 1 policy implementation, thousands of Washington elders, immigrants, and people with disabilities are slated to lose the health care and long-term care that they rely on.

July 29 request for state action sent to the WA Attorney General's Office. NoHLA and SEIU 775 issued a letter that outlines the impending crisis, recommends a litigation strategy, and urges the state to take action.

August 3 roundtable on H.R. 1 impacts to health care. NoHLA partnered with Rep. Pramila Jayapal, SEIU 775, Economic Opportunity Institute, other No Cuts to Health Care Coalition partners, and community leaders to build awareness and advocate for state action to prevent this crisis.

Rep. Jayapal stands and speaks into a mic, with a row of adult speakers seated behind her

Watch clips from the roundtable on YouTube.

Urge WA to Take Action

National Press Briefing on Health Insurance Rate Increases

On August 4, NoHLA co-executive director, Emily Brice, joined Families USA and consumer advocate partners for a virtual press call about rising health insurance rates across the country.

Health insurance companies have requested an average rate change of 22.4% for Washington state’s 2027 individual health insurance market. If approved, it will be the 3rd year in a row for double-digit increases in WA.

Quote that says If those rates are approved, the average silver plan for next year will cost $970 a month. How is any family supposed to afford that? With the article title, Rising Health Costs Are Forcing More Americans to Forego Care. Background image of a young man holding a baby.

Read "Rising Health Costs Are Forcing More Americans to Forego Care," from American Community Media.

News You Can Use

Resources and action items from our team

H.R. 1 Resources

By NoHLA:

Apple Health changes for immigrants in WA
Free and reduced cost health care resources (English, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese)
H.R. 1 training and updates slides

By the WA Health Care Authority (HCA):

*NEW Memo* Approach to Medically Frail Exclusion from Community Engagement Requirements
Provider H.R. 1 Communications Toolkit
Apple Health Community Connectors Programs - Info for assisters and any Washingtonian seeking to support people with retaining their coverage

Title that reads Changes to Apple Health: Provider Toolkit, with photo os a family with adults and children being playful outdoors

Virtual Learning

Sep. 3 at 10 AM - H.R. 1 Impacts Session 3 for Stakeholders (No registration required. Select the link to connect to the event on Teams). Materials from previous sessions are also available. (by HCA)
Sep. 15 at 2-3 PM and Sep. 29 at 2-3 PM - Register for Provider Forum on Medicaid Work Requirements (by HCA)
Sep. 30 at 10-11 AM - Staying Covered Under H.R.1: Supporting immigrant communities through eligibility changes (by iCAN and WA School-Based Health Alliance, with a presentation by Lee Che P. Leong, Senior Policy Advocate at NoHLA)

Public Charge Information

Does Public Charge Apply To Me? (2 page PDF)

Thanks to OneAmerica, Latino Community Fund of WA, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and Asian Counseling and Referral Service for their partnership and translation support.

Learn more from Protecting Immigrant Families.

screenshot of a flyer with colorful headings and text in simplified Chinese characters

Funding Opportunity for CBO Open Enrollment Outreach

Applications due by September 1.

The WA Health Benefit Exchange has funding available for community-based organizations (CBOs) to share information about health and dental coverage and savings through Washington Healthplanfinder during open enrollment (Nov. 1 to Jan. 15). View the funding post by WA Office of Equity on Instagram.

Contact your county’s Navigator Lead Organization to apply.

Register by Aug 31 for Early-bird Pricing

Thanks to all who've registered so far, and to our partners for supporting the event!

Mending Health Care With Community, NoHLA's signature annual gathering and learning event, is on September 25. We hope you can join us. Sign up by August 31 to take advantage of early-bird rates.

Friday, September 25, 2026

Program 1:00 - 4:30 PM

In-person Reception 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Hybrid (Seattle or Virtual/Zoom)

Reserve My Spot

Keep an eye on NoHLA's website and social media where we'll be highlighting our sponsors and speakers starting this week.

New from NoHLA

Behind-the-scenes organizational highlights.

Get to Know NoHLA's Board

We're grateful and fortunate to have an outstanding Board of Directors at NoHLA.

Several of our Board members recently updated their mini-bios for our webiste, and two new members joined the team. It's a great time to learn about these rockstar leaders working behind-the-scenes to advance NoHLA's work.

diverse group of adults smiling while seated tightly around a table

Image from our 2025 Board retreat.

ICYMI: August is National Make-A-Will Month

Make-A-Will Month invites us to consider the people and causes we want to support for years to come. A gift to NoHLA through your will or estate plan can help sustain this work for future generations of Washingtonians.

Our Development Manager, Erin, is happy to connect, answer questions, and chat about options. Reach out if you're curious, deeply interested, or anywhere in between: Email Erin.