health equity

Massachusetts took a step toward greater health equity last week, with all hospitals in the state achieving a national standard of access to care, addressing social needs that impact health and tracking disparity data for people of color.

Ten community organizations in Boston’s neighborhoods that experience the greatest health disparities will receive more than $1 million in grant funding from the Boston Public Health Commission to increase health care access in the communities that need it most.

Massachusetts has long led the way on health care legislation, passing a 2006 law that required residents to have health insurance and a 2012 law that sought to rein in cost increases.

One pregnant Black mother-to-be reported that her doctor minimized her concerns about whether her chronic hypertension would harm her while giving birth. Another said she could not get her doctor to listen to her about her health issues.

The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council delved into clinical trial diversity and other health equity issues at its annual diversity, equity and inclusion conference July 20.

The Health Equity Task Force created by the Massachusetts Legislature issued its final report two years ago, calling for solutions to the inequities in infection, hospitalization and death rates that impact the state’s vulnerable populations, particularly communities of color and low income residents.