a nonpartisan health policy community

Your questions are welcome here.

We are a data-driven, equity-oriented community of health policy professionals driving one another toward innovative and effective solutions to public health challenges.

Join the community What to expect

Bimonthly hybrid discussions

Core Values

Data and Evidence

Every session is grounded in data and sourced analysis.

Transparency and Open Discussion

We welcome pushback, alternative interpretations, and “I'm not sure” as a legitimate answer. Sources are cited clearly to encourage fact verification and foster transparency.

Bridging Silos

Our members come from advocacy groups, public health agencies, the Hill, consulting firms, provider organizations, and classrooms, among other settings. A culture of respect and cross-sector analysis lends greater rigor to our discussions.

Actionable Insight

Our discussions are designed to mobilize communities toward systemic change that advances health for all.

Continuous Improvement

We encourage innovation, welcoming new evidence and a willingness to question our assumptions.

What to Expect at a Session

Each session, we pick a topic that's timely, contested, or just underexplored, and dig in. Sessions are shaped by what the evidence shows and where reasonable people disagree.

✓A facilitated discussion, not a lecture. Interruptions are welcome.
✓Pre-circulated readings and materials
✓Active Q&A and open, friendly debate
✓Fresh-baked sweet treats if you can join us in-person!

Jennifer Salach

Founder · Pastries & Policy

MPH, Health Policy - George Washington UniversityJD Candidate - University of Maryland

Our Story

Jennifer (Jenny) Salach began Pastries & Policy in April 2025 to build an action-oriented health community with a strong respect for evidence. Her background is in behavioral health systems research and advocacy.

She holds an MPH in Health Policy from the George Washington University and has experience in federal, nonprofit, academic, and health care settings. She begins her JD at the University of Maryland Carey School of Law in 2026, with a focus on health law.

Join / Get Involved

Come think with us.

Pastries & Policy is open to anyone with a serious interest in health policy. What we share is curiosity, a willingness to engage seriously with the evidence, and an inclination to turn discussion into action.

Email the team

Thank you! We'll be in touch with details for an upcoming session.

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What membership looks like

Regular session invitations (in-person and virtual)
Pre-session reading materials
Access to session notes and resources
A growing community of health policy professionals

Co-Lead Opening

Help lead what comes next.

Pastries & Policy is looking for a new (Co) Lead to help shape discussions and build community.

✓Help choose topics and shape the discussion
✓(Co) host sessions- in person, online, or both
✓Help the community grow beyond DC

Interested becoming a (Co) Lead? Leave your details and we'll follow up.

I'm Interested