Struggling to make real change in health policy? The Global Health Advocacy Incubator just launched HATCH—a free platform with expert training and global networking for advocates. Build your skills, connect with others, and take action that actually makes a real impact. Learn more: https://www.advocacyincubator.org/news/2025-04-17-the-global-health-advocacy-incubator-launches-the-health-advocacy-training-and-collaboration-hub-hatch
Hey there, if you've ever thought, "I care about health issues—but what can I actually do to change things?" This episode is for you.
Let's talk about Hatch—a brand-new, completely free platform just launched by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, or GHAI for short. It's built specifically to help advocates like you take real action on health policy. Hatch gives you access to expert training, proven strategies, and—get this—a global network of advocates all working to save lives through policy change. It's like your own personal advocacy command center.
So picture this: maybe you're working on a tobacco control campaign, or you're pushing for better school nutrition in your city. But you're not sure what works. Or maybe you're doing this work alone, without the right tools or support.
That's exactly where Hatch comes in. You'll find interactive courses on topics like tobacco control, injury prevention, food and nutrition policy, and health systems; step-by-step toolkits; and case studies from real campaigns that have already helped shape policies in 32 countries—impacting more than 4 billion people. Yeah. Billion, with a B.
Let's be real—health policy isn't getting any easier. Right now, noncommunicable diseases like heart disease and diabetes make up nearly 74 percent of global deaths. And in some rural areas, healthcare workforce shortages are projected to hit 60 percent by 2037. That's massive.
We need more advocates who are informed, connected, and ready to push for smart policy. That's what Hatch was built for. And here's something cool: Hatch isn't just a learning platform. It's a networking space, too. You can connect with advocates around the world, swap strategies, and build partnerships. Whether you're new to this or you've been doing policy work for years, you'll find people who get what you're working on.
Another major win? Flexibility. You set your own pace. Choose the topics you care about. Follow a full course or just grab a specific toolkit when you need it. They've even got a full action guide available right now in English and French.
Everything inside Hatch is shaped by real advocacy experience—including GHAI's long-running work with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and partners on the ground around the world. And the platform's going to keep growing. Throughout 2025, they'll be rolling out new courses and features based on feedback from advocates in the field—just like you.
Now, in case you're new to GHAI—these folks have spent the past 10 years helping local organizations and governments push for public health reforms. Their support has helped pass life-saving laws, build campaigns, and shift entire systems—all with a focus on long-term, evidence-based change.
So if you've been thinking of making a change, this is it. You can start learning right now by clicking on the link in the description. Global Health Advocacy Incubator City: Washington Address: 1400 I Street Northwest Website: https://www.advocacyincubator.org/