The Black Physicians and Health Care Network (BPHN), a model program of NCCF and the first of its kind in the Nation, needs your support. In the past year, the BPHN has connected more than 1,600 Montgomery County Black residents with life-changing and culturally-specific physical and mental health services. 

On March 15, 2023, the Montgomery County Executive released the proposed FY24 Operational Budget, allocating a flat budget allotment of $2.5M for the Black Physicians and Healthcare Network (BPHN) to address health inequities and systemic racial discrimination by providing: (1) culturally specific health referrals to an expanding network of Black professionals, (2) navigation of community resources and services, (3) outreach and education, (4) coalition building, and (5) support in acquiring health insurance.

Although the County Executive values the BPHN’s contributions to addressing health disparities and inequities in the Black community, the current proposed budget of $2.5M does not include funding to help minimize the financial barrier to Black County residents receiving health, dental, or mental health, a core element of the BPHN model.

Without additional funding, as of July 1, 2023, the BPHN will not be able to assist Black residents with the following:

• Copays
• Insurance coverage gaps
• Payments for mental health services (of which many providers nationwide do not accept health insurance)

We Need Your VOICE

Request that the Montgomery County Council amends the County Executive’s Operational Budget for BPHN by awarding an additional $1M to support the provision of health care subsidies for:

• Health and dental visits for uninsured Black residents who are pending health insurance coverage.
• Emergency funds for insured Black residents who request support with a co-pay and/or high-cost deductible due to financial hardship.
• Emergency and tailored mental health appointments for Black residents who receive services from a Black mental health professional.

Please take a moment to sign our digital petition including the zip code of your Montgomery County residence and let your voice be heard!