Jan 30, 2025
The NCGHA is Taking Steps to Make Your Voice Heard. Now, See What You Can Do to Get Involved
Dear NCGHA Community,
In recent days, the global health and humanitarian aid sectors have faced unprecedented challenges that threaten the progress we’ve made, the people we serve, and the jobs that sustain our work. The State Department’s Stop Work Order has placed critical foreign assistance programs on hold, creating uncertainty for thousands of professionals dedicated to advancing health, stability, and economic growth worldwide.
At the North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA), we recognize how deeply this moment affects our community. Many of you are grappling with disruptions to your work, funding concerns, and the unsettling reality that livelihoods may be at risk. We want to acknowledge this hardship while also reaffirming our commitment to supporting you and ensuring that North Carolina’s vital role in global health does not go unnoticed.
Our Actions on Your Behalf
The NCGHA has taken immediate steps to elevate North Carolina’s unique position as the fourth-largest recipient of USAID funding in the country. We have:
Sent letters to our Senators and key members of Congress to emphasize the economic and national security consequences of halting foreign assistance.
Engaged in direct conversations with the offices of Senators Tillis and Budd, as well as Congresswoman Ross, providing real-time job impact data to strengthen their efforts to protect North Carolinians.
Collaborated with national advocacy organizations to ensure that North Carolina’s voice is amplified in discussions on Capitol Hill.
Widely shared our statement on the Stop Work Order and encouraged partners to use its data in their own advocacy efforts. Read our statement here.
How You Can Take Action
Advocacy is most powerful when we stand together. Here are ways you can join us in fighting for the future of global health:
Contact Your Representatives: Call or email your Senators and Congresspeople to urge them to advocate for the reversal of the Stop Work Order and protect USAID-funded programs. (Find your representatives here).
Share Job Impact Data: If your organization has experienced furloughs, layoffs, or other workforce impacts due to the Stop Work Order, please send us this data. All information can be aggregated and kept anonymous; however, this data is one of the most compelling tools we have when engaging with policymakers.
Share Your Story: If your work or organization has been directly impacted, consider sharing your experiences with us. Personal stories can be instrumental in making the case for continued funding.
Engage on Social Media: Raise awareness by posting about the importance of global health funding and tagging your elected officials. Tag the NCGHA on LinkedIn and we will amplify your post.
Supporting Our Community
We know that uncertainty in funding can create instability for professionals and students in our sector. As part of our commitment to supporting the careers of our members, the NCGHA will:
Continue sharing job opportunities across global health and complementary sectors for those who may need to explore new opportunities. Follow us on LinkedIn where we are most active.
Host our annual Global Health Careers Week from March 17-20, offering career development resources and hosting new discussions tailored to the evolving landscape. You can sign up on our website here; please note that topics are subject to change.
In times of uncertainty, we find strength in community. While we cannot predict the immediate future, we can continue to stand together, raise our voices, and advocate for the work that has saved lives, driven economic growth, and strengthened America’s leadership in the world.
We see you. We support you. And we will not stop fighting for you.
In partnership,
Brianna Clarke-Schwelm
Executive Director
North Carolina Global Health Alliance