We are deeply saddened to report that Peter Harbage (MPP ‘95), a national leader in health care policy and founder and president of Harbage Consulting, passed away on February 3 after complications from leukemia. Harbage’s colleagues described him as, “the unsung architect of health care reform in the United States,” and “the godfather of health care policy in the state [of California].”
A number of excellent stories commemorate Harbage’s contributions as a long-term health care reform advocate, including:
- “Peter Harbage,” by Anthony Wright, for Health Access;
- “Obit: Peter Harbage, health care reform advocate,” by Steven Maviglio for Capitol Weekly;
- “Peter Harbage, key health care reformer, dies at age 43,” by Cynthia H. Craft for The Sacramento Bee; and
- “Health Reform Expert Peter Harbage Dies,” by David Gorn for California Healthline.
Harbage’s legacy will continue with a new fellowship for health policy graduates. “Even in the midst of battling cancer, it was important to Peter to know that he could continue to build leadership within the California health policy community,” writes Ingrid Aguirre Happoldt in “His Leadership Continues—The Peter Harbage Fellowship.”
Harbage is survived by his wife, Hilary Haycock, a noted health policy expert in her own right, who will continue to lead the company.
Condolences may be sent to Harbage Consulting, 1400 K Street, Suite 204, Sacramento, CA 95814 or [email protected]. Gifts to the Peter Harbage Fellowship Trust are welcome in lieu of flowers.