Thomas McDade, a professor of anthropology at Northwestern University and co-director of the CIFAR Child and Brain Development Program, stated that the US is the only rich country without a national paid family leave policy. McDade discussed the high rates of infant and maternal mortality in the US, despite large healthcare spending. He stressed the importance of paid family leave for supporting families and reducing health outcome disparities, wishing for its implementation in 2024.

This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Sheila Davis, CEO of Partners In Health, who recognized Community Health Workers (CHWs) as vital for community health. Davis wished for increased accessibility and comprehensive financial support for CHW care in 2024.