Society of Behavioral Medicine Expands Health Policy Ambassador Program with Two New Focus Areas

Joanna Buscemi, PhD; Lisa LaRowe, PhD - The Advocacy Council

In May 2025, Society of Behavioral Medicine expanded its Health Policy Ambassador Program with the launch of two new ambassador groups: NIH Funding and Infectious Disease Prevention and Care. These additions reflect both the evolving policy landscape and the critical need for behavioral scientists to play an active role in shaping decisions that affect public health. As federal attention intensifies around research investment and infectious disease preparedness, these ambassadors will help ensure that rigorous science and on-the-ground expertise remain central to policy conversations.

Scientists are uniquely positioned to inform policy because they understand how evidence is generated, how interventions operate in real-world settings, and how communities experience health challenges. Yet scientific expertise often goes underrepresented in legislative and administrative decision-making. The Health Policy Ambassador Program was created to close that gap. Ambassadors receive training in advocacy, relationship-building, and strategic communication, and they work directly with lawmakers and their staff to share timely, relevant, and actionable insights from behavioral medicine. Their role is not only to convey research findings but also to serve as trusted, long-term partners who can help policymakers navigate complex health issues.

Shelagh A. Mulvaney, a member of the inaugural NIH Funding ambassador group, shared what motivated her to join the Health Policy Ambassador Program. “I am passionate about funding and conduct of relevant rigorous behavioral science that benefits all Americans.” She also emphasized the importance of involving scientists in policy decisions, explaining: “I see value in the roles and voices of multiple stakeholders in allocating US resources and communicating the importance of science.”

Representing the Infectious Disease Prevention and Care ambassador group, Angel B. Algarin, shared why this work matters so deeply to him:

 “As a public health researcher focused on HIV and health equity, I am deeply invested in translating science into action—especially at the policy level. My work is grounded in community-engaged research with populations most affected by infectious diseases, including sexual and gender minorities, people who use substances, and immigrant communities. Policy engagement is both a responsibility and an opportunity to ensure that the voices of these communities—and the evidence generated in collaboration with them—are reflected in our health systems and legislation.”

He added that the ambassador role aligns with his commitment to advancing equitable, evidence-based interventions. “With the support of SBM’s training and resources, I hope to become a bridge between behavioral medicine research and the policy decisions that shape health outcomes—especially in my home state of Arizona, where infectious disease disparities are both urgent and under-addressed.”

SBM encourages members who are passionate about advocacy—and eager to strengthen their policy communication skills—to apply for the next cohort of Health Policy Ambassadors. More information about eligibility, expectations, and application materials can be found here.