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.

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