Elevating America’s Healthcare Experience: Launching the West Health–Gallup Center for Healthcare at the Future of Health Forum
West Health is proud to announce the launch of the West Health–Gallup Center for Healthcare in America, a joint initiative dedicated to elevating the voices and real experiences of people across the country as they navigate our healthcare system.
A Powerful Launch at the Future of Health Forum
Pictured above from left to right: Amna Nawaz, Co-Host of PBS News Hour, Tim Lash, MBA, President of West Health, Jonathan Burks of the Economic and Health Policy Center, and Andrew Friedson of the Milken Institute.
The day opened with inspiring remarks from Justin B. Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Semafor, setting the tone for a series of thoughtful, energizing discussions. The program featured perspectives from across the healthcare landscape, including:
- Tim Lash, President of West Health
- Jonathan Burks, Economic and Health Policy Center
- Andrew Friedson, Milken Institute
- Moderated by Amna Nawaz, Co-Host, PBS NewsHour
Additional speakers included Meena Seshamani, M.D., Ph.D., Secretary of Health for Maryland; Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT); Josh Hodges, Chief Customer Officer at NCOA; Joe Daly, Global Managing Partner at Gallup; and Shelley Lyford, CEO of West Health.
Each brought critical perspective to the challenges, opportunities, and inequities that define healthcare in America today—further underscoring the vital role of the West Health–Gallup Center.
Spotlight on the State of the States 2025 Report
Pictured above: Justin B. Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Semafor, joins Shelley Lyford on stage for The Future of Health Forum on Nov. 18, 2025
The Forum also marked the release of the Center’s inaugural study, State of the States 2025: Insights on Healthcare in America. This comprehensive report examines how Americans experience healthcare across all 50 states and D.C., revealing striking differences in cost, quality, and access.
Key findings include:
- 1 in 5 Americans say they or someone in their household couldn’t afford prescription medications in the past three months—a record high of 20%.
- Nearly 1 in 3 skipped a needed medical procedure or test in the past year due to cost.
- Almost half of adults worry they won’t be able to afford necessary healthcare services next year.
These insights highlight the harsh reality that, in America today, a ZIP code can determine whether you can afford to see a doctor or fill a prescription. The data offers policymakers a roadmap for making care more consistent—and more equitable—across borders.
“This research shows just how variable care can be between states and provides new insights into how policymakers can make care more consistent across borders.”
– Shelley Lyford, CEO and Chair of the West Health Institute and the Gary and Mary West Foundation.
Major outlets such as USA Today, NBC News, The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report and Axios have already elevated these findings, amplifying the experiences of those most affected and signaling the need for urgent action.
Looking Ahead
Pictured above: Combine team of West Health and Gallup celebrate the launch of the West Health-Gallup Center for Healthcare in America.
To explore the full report and stay informed about ongoing research, visit the West Health–Gallup Center for Healthcare in America. Updated insights will continue to shed light on how people navigate healthcare today and where meaningful improvements can take root.
A heartfelt thank-you to Semafor, Gallup, and all partners who helped launch this important work. Together, we’re not only identifying challenges—we’re transforming evidence into action to build a future of hope, dignity, and better health for all Americans.
