Elena Rivera

Elena Rivera (she/her) is a former award-winning health journalist with National Public Radio. She reported on health equity, access, and policy in Missouri, North Carolina, Georgia and Colorado.

Most recently, she led statewide coverage of maternal and child health policy issues in Texas, including the impact of Medicaid unwinding on vulnerable populations. Her work on maternal mortality and morbidity resulted in Texas's adoption of a 12-month Medicaid postpartum extension in 2024.

Rivera was also part of a collaboration between KFF Health News and National Public Radio, linking health reporters across the country to tell stories about the issues impacting their regions.

She graduated in 2025 from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government with a master’s degree in public administration.

Everyone giving birth should feel supported, cared for, and understood by their doctor. OBOS provides a platform to empower more people to advocate for their health needs at all stages of pregnancy.