March 4, 2025: GRAAHI CEO Vanessa Greene is attending the President’s address to the Joint Session of Congress at the invitation of Representative Hillary Scholten (MI103) to advocate for programs that support health, including Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Veteran’s benefits and Education, just as these programs are under threat of drastic cuts.
From Scholten’s Office:
WASHINGTON, DC – On March 4, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI03) announced that Vanessa Greene, a distinguished community leader and advocate for equitable health care access, will be her guest at President Donald Trump’s Joint Address on Tuesday. Greene serves as CEO of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI), where she has been instrumental in addressing health disparities in West Michigan.
“I’m proud to have Vanessa Greene join me to stand up for West Michigan’s hardworking families and the health care services they rely on,” said Rep. Scholten. “We are in the fight of our lives to protect–and expand–health care coverage in America. Vanessa has dedicated her career to ensuring that every member of our community, especially those who have historically been underserved, has quality, affordable health care. Her presence serves as a powerful reminder of the need to continue this work.”
“I am honored to represent GRAAHI and the Greater Grand Rapids community at the State of the Union address,” said Vanessa Greene, CEO of GRAAHI. “This invitation highlights the importance of prioritizing health equity, especially amidst potential threats to the programs that make it possible. We must protect and strengthen Medicare, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, and Social Security – investments in our nation’s health and well-being. We must also invest in education, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and continue advocating for policies that ensure everyone can live a healthy life, regardless of background or zip code, including access to the vital support these programs provide.”
Scholten’s decision to invite Greene underscores the critical importance of ensuring equitable health care access in West Michigan and across the country. Recent policy proposals from the House Republicans and the Trump Administration include drastic cuts to Medicaid, with potential reductions to Social Security and Medicare also under consideration. Such measures could jeopardize funding for community health centers, adversely affecting vulnerable populations. Additionally, Trump and Musk’s mass firings at the nation’s health agencies are further proof that they prioritize politics over people’s health and safety.
Greene’s leadership has been recognized by West Michigan Woman Magazine, naming her a finalist in their 2023 Brilliance Awards, and by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, including her in the “Grand Rapids 200” list for 2024.
Read Vanessa’s Statement regarding cuts to vital programs:
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