Families USA announced today that Brittney A. Newton, a senior policy analyst at Voices for Georgia’s Children, is its 2023 Health Justice Advocate of the Year for Health Equity. Several of Newton’s peers nominated her for the award in recognition to her instrumental leadership working to strengthen Georgia’s child and adolescent behavioral health workforce and to supporting passage of Georgia’s Mental Health Parity Act, a landmark piece of legislation that bolsters significant change in behavioral health policy and practice across the state. She will be officially recognized during Families USA’s 2023 Health Action Conference, held January 26-27 in Washington, D.C.

“Brittney is a passionate voice for reducing health disparities,” said Frederick Isasi, Families USA’s executive director. “From her youth behavioral health research and advocacy work to her involvement with Morehouse School of Medicine, the City of East Point, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health’s health equity project, she is actively pushing for solutions that will ensure every family in our nation has a fair and equal shot at their best health.”

Newton conducts research and analyzes data to inform Voices for Georgia’s Children’s advocacy efforts and support its policy agenda. An alumna of Families USA’s Health Equity Academy Fellowship program, she has shared her health workforce equity and behavioral health care expertise with advocates across the country to help them expand access.

“I am beyond honored to receive this award. Being able to combine my passions to improve children and families’ access to quality, affordable and culturally responsive physical and mental health services is a gift,” said Newton. “I am grateful to work alongside like-minded individuals.”

Each year during its Health Action Conference, Families USA honors state and community leaders who are advancing social justice through health care advocacy. Awards represent the organization’s four focus areas: Health Equity, Health Care Value, Coverage, and People’s Experience.