Health equity advocates, healthcare providers, community leaders, and affected individuals recently gathered outside the Massachusetts State House in support of an act to advance health equity (bill title: "An Act to Advance Health Equity" (H.1250 and S.799)).
Advocates for the bill testified and provided valuable input, sharing their perspectives and insights with lawmakers. Their testimonies gave light on the specific challenges faced by marginalized communities and offered recommendations to strengthen the proposed bill, as noted in the Boston Globe.
Over eighty leaders from the Health Equity Compact (HEC) initiated the bill and raised accountability for lawmakers to act by effectively addressing health disparities and supporting equitable healthcare for all. President and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and one of the founding members of HEC, Michael Curry, Esq., and CEO of Cambridge Health Alliance, Assaad Sayah, MD, also a member of HEC, among others, delivered persuasive testimonies at the bill hearing (click below).
During his testimony, Curry quoted the inspiring words from the first African American physician in the United States, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, who noted "They seem to forget there is a cause for every ailment, and it may be in their power to move it" as he encouraged lawmakers to utilize their influence to support quality equitable healthcare, resulting in positive health outcomes.
Health Equity Compact and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers share several similarities in their goals and objectives by addressing health disparities and promoting equitable access to healthcare services for all individuals, particularly those from marginalized and underserved communities. One key similarity is their focus on reducing health inequities. These initiatives recognize that certain populations, such as racial and ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, and those living in rural areas, face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare. To find out more or to learn how to support health equity in Massachusetts, visit www.healthequitycompact.org.
