6.1.21
By Son of Inequity
The state of Wisconsin has taken a bold move to reduce race-based healthcare disparities in that state with the creation of Office of Health Equity under the umbrella of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
The Wisconsin DHS describes the purpose and function of the new office as follows:
“To Improve health outcomes of historically underrepresented groups, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is creating an Office of Health Equity. The office will conduct research and policy analysis to address the social determinants, or root causes, of health. This includes, but is not limited to, access to housing, stable income, and health care.”
The new Office of Health Equity will coordinate existing and new efforts on equity and inclusion across DHS. Specifically, it will:
- Implement strategies to build an infrastructure and culture committed to equity and inclusion.
- Provide statewide leadership for policy measures that aim to improve the health of vulnerable populations in Wisconsin.
- Assure coordination of efforts intended to reduce health disparities.
- Minimize the impacts of health disparities in our communities by evaluating and proposing changes to DHS policies and budget.
- Create an extensive network of community and agency partners, both formal and informal. Fostering these types of community partnerships will not only extend the reach of our work but also enrich our efforts by centering diverse perspectives.
- Provide data analysis to help leadership and program staff make data informed decisions on policy areas that affect millions of Wisconsinites.
The Office of Health Equity website describes its mission as follows: “We work to help address health disparities and promote a culture of inclusion where Wisconsinites from all racial and ethnic identities; ages; nationalities; social and economic status; sexual orientations; gender identities or expressions; geographic locations; religious, political and ideological perspectives; and physical and mental abilities are able to thrive and be engaged.”
“One of my top priorities has been making health care more accessible and affordable while working to improve health outcomes,” said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. “COVID-19 has only underscored the work we have to do to address inequities, reduce health disparities, and build a state that works for everyone. I’m proud of the work our agencies have been doing to connect the dots on this issue and that DHS is doing to make long-lasting changes that prioritize the health and well-being of folks across our state.”