We are deeply saddened to share the news of Larry Lavin’s passing. He was a beloved friend, colleague, and former director of the National Health Law Program (NHeLP). Larry was a lifelong advocate for low-income communities and a leader in the health law and justice space. His contributions to our organization and the broader legal and health justice fields were profound, visionary, and enduring.
Larry served as NHeLP’s executive director during a pivotal time in our history, from the late 1980’s through 2008. When Congress cut NHeLP’s federal funding as the health law backup center for legal services lawyers, Larry’s leadership and determination were instrumental in ensuring that NHeLP not only survived but continued to grow. Many legal backup centers closed during that era, but because of Larry’s courage, strategic vision, and unwavering belief in our mission, NHeLP remained standing.
His legacy extends far beyond organizational resilience. Larry brought deep experience as a legal services lawyer and a powerful commitment to justice to everything he did. He was one of the primary organizers of the Health Consumer Alliance (HCA), an early champion of digital innovation in legal services, and a driving force in establishing the internet domain that the entire legal services network would use for years. NHeLP was the first organization on it, known by the address HN0001.
Larry also helped set up the first remote legal backup center office in the country, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, pioneering a model that expanded access to support and expertise across geographic boundaries. He established and nurtured our long-running partnership with the National Disability Rights Network. And he was a co-author of the first article in the nation to highlight the critical role of public benefits, especially Medicaid, in responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis.
“Larry led with heart, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice,” said Elizabeth G. Taylor, NHeLP’s Executive Director. “Even after stepping down as director, he remained engaged and supportive, offering wisdom, encouragement, and ideas. At our meeting just last summer, Larry still had advice and insights to share.”
“He was a fierce advocate, a true innovator, and a deeply generous person. We are profoundly grateful for his legacy,” said Jane Perkins, NHeLP’s Litigation Director.
Even as he faced serious health challenges later in life, Larry remained a steadfast supporter of NHeLP and a source of guidance and inspiration for many of us. His life’s work stands as a testament to what it means to lead with vision, humility, and a deep commitment to justice.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Larry’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His contributions to health equity, public interest law, and the fight for dignity and access for all will never be forgotten. We mourn his loss and honor his extraordinary life.
