America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) announced its support of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's (CBCF) Congressional Fellowship Program. The partnership will establish the first-ever AHIP Health Policy Fellow. The 20-month health policy fellowship is intended to offer hands-on public policy and leadership training to a high-achieving graduate student while working on Capitol Hill either in a Member of Congress' office or legislative committee.

After reviewing dozens of applications, the CBCF and AHIP recently announced the selection of Ms. Naadiya Hutchinson as the 2020 Health Policy Fellow. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Ms. Hutchinson holds a degree in Public Health. She is currently a candidate for her Master's Degree in Health Science, with a concentration in Population Environmental Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. Ms. Hutchinson has been assigned to the Office of U.S. Representative Donald McEachin. Rep. McEachin represents the 4th Congressional District of Virginia and is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

"AHIP is committed to improving diversity in America," said Matt Eyles, AHIP president and CEO. "Opening doors to opportunities is just one way we are living up to that commitment. We congratulate Ms. Hutchinson on her well-deserved fellowship and look forward to continuing to build a strong relationship with the Congressional Black Caucus."

Through its Project Link, AHIP has elevated the organization's dedication to preparing the next generation of diverse public policy leaders and advocates to help identify innovative approaches to address social determinants of health in historically underserved communities.

"The existing environmental health disparities exacerbated by this year's ongoing public health crisis have given us a unique and urgent mandate to responsibly rebuild both our health care system and our federal climate policy to ensure all Americans can thrive," said Rep. McEachin. "The CBCF Congressional Fellowship Program engages Member offices directly with the bright, diverse young minds needed to meet this moment and help guarantee health outcomes in our communities are not determined by race or ZIP code. I am pleased to welcome Ms. Hutchinson's experience and insight to our team as we work together towards a healthy, sustainable future for residents of Virginia's 4th Congressional District and all who call this planet home."

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