NFEC Warns: Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Movement Will Fail Unless It Addresses Financial Instability
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NFEC Warns: Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Movement Will Fail Unless It Addresses Financial Instability
The National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) announced a nationwide initiative to declare financial instability a Public Health Emergency. Poverty, low employment, housing insecurity, and limited education access contribute directly to higher rates of chronic illness, reduced life expectancy, and mental health struggles. The NFEC’s push aligns with the CDC’s Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework, which shows the undeniable link between financial instability and negative health outcomes.
“While the MAHA movement has achieved notable successes—such as banning harmful food dyes, restricting junk food purchases in SNAP programs, and expanding preventive care initiatives—it will ultimately fall short unless it addresses the root issue of financial instability,” said Vince Shorb, CEO of the National Financial Educators Council.
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Financial Instability: America’s Overlooked Health Crisis
The NFEC’s push aligns with the CDC’s Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework, which shows the undeniable link between financial instability and negative health outcomes. Poverty, low employment, housing insecurity, and limited education access contribute directly to higher rates of chronic illness, reduced life expectancy, and mental health struggles.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC’s Healthy People 2030 initiative, all five Social Determinants of Health are tied to financial conditions:
Economic Stability: Poverty, unemployment, and unstable housing are major contributors to poor health outcomes.
Education Access & Quality: Low-income students face lower graduation rates and increased health risks.
Healthcare Access & Quality: Financial barriers prevent timely access to care, worsening preventable diseases.
Neighborhood & Built Environment: Low-income communities face greater exposure to pollution, unsafe housing, and violence.
Social & Community Context: Financial stress erodes mental health, deepens inequality, and worsens community safety.
“Poverty and financial insecurity are not side issues—they are direct threats to public health,” added Shorb. “If MAHA doesn’t tackle these root causes, it will fail in its mission to strengthen Americans’ health.”
A Public Health Emergency Declaration: Why It Matters
The NFEC’s proposed declaration would:
Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nfec-warns-america-healthy-again-123600889.html