NFEC Mobilizes Action to Declare Financial Instability a Public Health Emergency
WASHINGTON, July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) today announced a nationwide effort to recognize financial instability as a Public Health Emergency, aligning with the CDC's Social Determinants of Health framework. This initiative highlights the direct link between economic conditions and the health challenges Americans face—and it offers financial education, coaching, and career readiness as critical, proactive solutions.
"Financial instability is undermining the health and well-being of Americans across this country," said Vince Shorb, CEO of NFEC. "By declaring it a public health emergency, we can treat it like the health issue it is—and mobilize resources accordingly."
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Money and Health: A Proven Connection
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion's Healthy People 2030 initiative, identifies five Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)—all significantly influenced by financial factors:
- Economic Stability – Poverty, low employment, and housing instability directly contribute to poorer health outcomes.
- Education Access & Quality – Low-income students have lower graduation rates, increasing risk of chronic illness.
- Healthcare Access & Quality – Nearly 1 in 10 Americans are uninsured, causing delayed medical care and worsening health issues.
- Neighborhood & Built Environment – Low-income communities experience higher exposure to environmental hazards and violence.
- Social & Community Context – Financial strain, discrimination, and unsafe environments worsen mental and physical well-being.
"Poverty and financial insecurity are not just economic challenges—they are foundational drivers of poor health, as outlined by the CDC," says Vince Shorb, CEO of the NFEC. "When you examine these factors closely, it becomes clear that financial wellness must be a core focus of any effective public health strategy."
A Call to Action: Financial Capability as Public Health Intervention
The NFEC believes that declaring financial insecurity a Public Health Emergency unlocks opportunities to:
- Accelerate Prevention – Integrate personal finance education in elementary, high school, and college levels, just like vaccination or wellness programs.
- Scale Support Services – Deploy coaching, counseling, and career-readiness initiatives for those already affected.
- Enable Fast Response – Reallocates funding, expands partnerships, and accelerates implementation—similar to pandemic mobilization.
NFEC's goal is clear: bring this fight to local, state, and national governments with coordinated advocacy. The organization is launching its United for Action Week in September, featuring a multi-tier campaign with stakeholder outreach, letter-writing, media efforts, and legislative engagement. View presentation on the NFEC's #FinancialHealthEmergenency campaign.
The NFEC invites public health leaders, clinicians, educators, policymakers, corporate social responsibility groups, and nonprofit agencies to participate. Stand with a Public Health Emergency declaration, and collaborate on policy, implementation, and funding that elevate financial wellness to a core pillar of health equity. Join the Advocacy Committee.
"We have the framework. We have models. Now we need the urgency," added Shorb. "Together, we can build a stronger, healthier nation—one financially empowered community at a time."
The National Financial Educators Council is an Accredited Provider through IACET and a Certified B Corporation™. Their emphasis is on empowering a worldwide cadre of financial wellness advocates and champions with top-quality training and resources, mobilizing them to spread awareness and support the global community with greater financial health.
Media Contact:
Claudia Martins
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SOURCE National Financial Educators Council
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