In this episode, Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, is joined by Clayton Ruley, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Mission Advancement & Impact at the Community Liver Alliance. Clayton shares his decades-long journey from frontline harm reduction work to shaping national health policy. Together, they discuss the need for compassion in healthcare, the importance of patient-centered policymaking, and the urgent challenges facing programs like 340B and Medicaid. Clayton also highlights how community-level work and federal health policies intersect — and why transparency and access matter now more than ever.
Among the highlights in this episode:
01:04: Clayton describes his background and early career, influenced by a family of social workers and his work in harm reduction clinics
04:04: Clayton explains what policymakers often miss: the need for options, compassion, and respect in patient care, especially for people facing stigma or systemic barriers
07:05: Clayton outlines the mission of the Community Liver Alliance and his evolving role in expanding national and global impact
09:56: Clayton discusses the top policy priorities for the Community Liver Alliance, including improving transparency and accountability in the 340B program
14:30: Clayton gives real-life examples of how 340B funding can transform communities through housing, outreach, and treatment access
15:55: Clayton and Steven discuss the harms of non-medical switching and the need to protect patient stability in treatment
16:52: They highlight concerns about potential Medicaid and Medicare cuts and the downstream impact on underserved communities
17:22: Steven reminds listeners of the delayed consequences of the Build Back Better bill, with millions projected to lose Medicaid access by 2027
18:54: Clayton warns that rising premiums could force patients to forgo insurance entirely — a dangerous outcome for people with chronic diseases
To learn more about the Community Liver Alliance or support their advocacy efforts, visit: https://communityliveralliance.org/
Contact Our Host
Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org
Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website (https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates) or on your favorite podcast channel.
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