Federal Shutdown Roundtable: Next Steps

Health and Stability at Risk: A Call to Collective Action 

A Reflection on Missouri’s Health and Stability Roundtable 
Community Health Commission of Missouri | October 30, 2025 

A Statewide Call to Action 

Last week, the Community Health Commission of Missouri (CHCM) convened Health and Stability at Risk: Understanding the Human Impact of the Federal Shutdown in Missouri — a statewide roundtable exploring how the ongoing shutdown is affecting families, systems of care, and community well-being across Missouri. 

Policy experts, community advocates, and lived-experience leaders gathered to share insights on the rising cost of healthcare, suspended food benefits, and the growing strain on local systems. 

When CHCM CEO Riisa Rawlins reflected on community members’ attitudes that “we’re going to be alright”, she shared:

To read Riisa’s reflection in full, click here or use the button below. Continue reading for additional information about event takeaways.

Understanding the Moment 

As the Missouri Independent recently reported after attending the roundtable, Missouri families are bracing for premium increases of up to 30% for 2026. The article, which includes quotes from our expert panelists and other participants, highlights how federal uncertainty is compounding long-standing inequities in healthcare access and affordability. 

More than 170,000 Missourians are at risk of losing coverage, and 58,000 may experience food benefit disruptions — threatening not only family stability but the overall health of Missouri’s communities. 

Coverage of the event also appeared across Missouri media, including televised features that shared insights from several of our community panelists. Watch a short clip from one of our community experts on YouTube here. 

What We Heard 

Our discussion began with sobering data from policy and economic experts including Dr. Timothy McBride (Washington University), Gina Aitch (Missouri Budget Project), and Sheldon Weisgrau (Missouri Foundation for Health). Together, they outlined how the federal stalemate is amplifying long-standing inequities—particularly for older adults, low-income families, and those managing chronic conditions.

The conversation then turned toward community-based responses. Legal and systems leaders such as Earlene Bolton (Legal Services of Eastern Missouri) and lived-experience advocates and experts—including Pastor Michael Robinson, Shellie Robinson, and Shanelle Woods—illuminated the reality behind the numbers. Their message was clear: those closest to the need are best positioned to meet it, yet resources and decision-making power rarely reach those communities.

Key Takeaways

1. The crisis is compounding, not isolated. Rising health premiums and stalled benefits are not policy abstractions—they are lived emergencies that widen existing gaps in access to care, food, and stability. 

2. Community is both first responder and long-term stabilizer. Local organizations are already mobilizing to meet essential needs, often with minimal resources. 

3. Trust is the foundation of effective response. Rebuilding it requires consistency, transparency, and partnership—not one-time relief efforts. 

4. Data and dignity must move together. Quantitative evidence is essential, but equally vital are the narratives that humanize its impact and guide responsive action. 

Looking Ahead 

CHCM will continue to elevate the data, stories, and policy conversations that center the lived experiences of Missourians. Together, we can transform moments of crisis into collective action — building toward a future of equity, trust, and stability across our state. 

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