InfoGuides: Health Equity Measurement: State Information

State Information

Research Question:

How is Health Equity being measured and/or incentivized?
How are states holding Managed Care Organizations and providers accountable for achieving Health Equity?

Response:

The tabs below provide links to departments of health and/or resources from each of the corresponding states.
(States are listed in alphabetical order by full state name, not postal code.)

Alabama

Alabama Department of Public Health
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is the primary state health agency for the state of Alabama.

Alaska

Department of Health and Social Services
The mission of the Department of Health and Social Services is "to promote and protect the health and well-being of Alaskans"
Division of Public Health
Alaskans enjoy optimum health and safety through achieving greater public, community and personal responsibility for healthy conditions and choices.
Healthy Alaskans 2020
Alaska’s state health improvement plan, Healthy Alaskans 2020 (HA2020) brings together partners from many sectors across the state to improve health and ensure health equity for all Alaskans through shared understanding, united efforts, and collective accountability.

Health Equity Initiatives

Health equity is integrated into Health Alaskans 2020, a framework of 25 health priorities for Alaska, including cancer death rate, tobacco use, physical activity, mental health, vaccinations, and more.

Health Equity Measures

Each priority (also known as an indicator) for Health Alaskans 2020 includes baseline (2010) and target (2020) measures, along with four progress levels (target met, on track, little to no progress, not on track to reach target).

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Arizona

Department of Health Services
The Arizona Department of Health Service's motto is "Health and Wellness for All Arizonans."
Arizona Health Disparities Center
Arizona Health Disparities Center (AHDC) is in the Arizona Department of Health Services within the Bureau of Health Systems Development and is the Federal designee for the Office of Minority Health for the State of Arizona.
2013 Arizona Health Equity Plan
As the federal designee for the OMH in Arizona, the Arizona Health Disparities Center coordinates efforts with key partners, local organizations, stakeholders and community leaders to promote awareness of the NPA and to develop activities and projects that align with the NPA's strategies to end health disparities. As part of this process, the AHDC worked with key stakeholders to identify and develop strategies to improve health equity in Arizona. The result was the 2013 Arizona Health Equity Plan.

Health Equity Initiatives

Language Access
National Partnership for Action
Health Smile Healthy Life Project
Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) (funding ended in 2012)

Health Equity Measures

Culturally & Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards
Language Access Assessment
Data profiles
- Oral Health Disparities
- Language spoken at home for population 5 years and older in Arizona counties
- African Americans and Blacks
- Hispanics
- American Indians
- Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
- Asians
- Whites

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Arkansas

Department of Health
To protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans.
Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities
To provide leadership in improving health outcomes by advocating for health equity for at-risk populations as defined by race or ethnicity, age, education, disability, gender, geographical location, income, and sexual orientation.

Health Equity Initiatives

Technical assistance, referrals and resources pertaining to the needs of minority populations
Promotes awareness of health issues related to unequal treatment and social determinants of health
Collaborates to improve state health data collection, use, and dissemination strategies
Educates the public about health disparities to increase awareness and capacity for health promotion and disease prevention
Ensures representation of diverse populations in state health planning, program development and awareness initiatives, and leadership positions
Promotes cultural competency, understanding and trust among internal and external partners
Supports the development and dissemination of information, strategies, and policies which contribute to the improved health outcomes of minority population

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

California

California Health & Human Services Agency
The California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) oversees twelve departments and five offices that provide a range of health care services, social services, mental health services, alcohol and drug services, income assistance, and public health services to Californians from all walks of life.
California Department of Public Health
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to protect the public's health in the Golden State and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
Office of Health Equity
Promote equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions to achieve optimal health, mental health, and well-being for all.

Health Equity Initiatives

Community Development & Engagement Unit
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Office of Health Equity (OHE), Community Development and Engagement Unit’s mission is to strengthen the CDPH’s focus and ability to advise and assist other state departments in their mission to increase access to, and the quality of, culturally and linguistically competent mental health care and services.
Health Research & Statistics Unit
HRSU is a leading state unit in collecting data and disseminating information about health and mental health disparities and inequities in California. HRSU researches and produces data to fulfill statutorily-mandated reports, and provides information and technical assistance to CDPH programs, state agencies, local health departments and stakeholders who are working to collect and report information on health and mental disparities and inequities in California.
Health Equity Policy & Planning Unit
Our vision is a healthy, equitable, and environmentally sustainable California where all people thrive and health equity principles are the foundation of government policies and practices. The Health Equity Policy & Planning Unit's mission is to provide statewide leadership in policy, systems, and environmental change by improving health, equity, and environmental sustainability in California government decision-making, practices, and policies.

Health Equity Measures

California Reducing Disparities Project (CDRP)
Now in Phase II, the CRDP will focus on funding and evaluating the promising practices identified in Phase I, as well as advancing the strategies outlined in the CRDP Strategic Plan.

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Colorado

Department of Public Health & Environment
Advancing Colorado’s health and protecting the places we live, learn, work, and play.
Office of Health Equity
Build partnerships to mobilize community power and transform systems to advance health equity and environmental justice.
Sweet Tools to Advance Equity
The Office of Health Equity created these tools as a resource for government agencies, non-profit organizations and community based organizations.

Health Equity Initiatives

Build relationships with communities and across sectors to address root causes of health disparities.
Use an Equity in Decision making approach and partner with all sectors of Government to embed health and equity considerations into their decision making process.
Use data to support the narrative of the Social Determinants of Health and tell the story of what creates health.
Develop, implement and provide guidance on health equity training, practice and policies within CDPHE and across the state of Colorado.
Focus on upstream determinants of health, guided by the Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative.

Health Equity Measures

Measuring Performance to Advance Equity
The Colorado Office of Health Equity developed this handout to spark ideas for program evaluators and/or project managers with interest in measuring equity efforts. It focuses on performance measures to ascertain if day-to-day operations are on track to advancing equity. Sections include staff capacity building, organizational culture, local voice (community engagement), connecting through communications, and contracts and procurement.
Designing Program Evaluation to Advance Equity
The Colorado Office of Health Equity developed this handout to spark ideas for program evaluators and/or project managers with interest in measuring equity efforts. This is a general overview on creating measures to advance equity and is more relevant to designing program evaluation questions and tracking population-level outcomes over time.

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Connecticut

Department of Public Health
To protect and improve the health and safety of the people of Connecticut by assuring the conditions in which people can be healthy; preventing disease, injury, and disability; and promoting the equal enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, which is a human right and a priority of the state.
Office of Health Equity
The responsibility of the Office of Health Equity is "to improve the health of all Connecticut residents by working to eliminate differences in disease, disability and death rates among ethnic, racial and other population groups that are known to have adverse health status or outcomes. Such population groups may be based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, socioeconomic position, immigrant status, sexual minority status, language, disability, homelessness, mental illness or geographic area of residence."

Health Equity Initiatives

Social Determinants of Health
Our strategies to eliminate disparities and achieve health equity focus on the social determinants of health, that is the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, age and die, including the health system. These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power, and other resources at global, national and local levels. The social determinants of health are mostly responsible for health inequities - the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between communities.
Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS)
Culturally and linguistically appropriate services are a critical step in addressing long-term health and healthcare disparities confronted by diverse communities throughout the United States.

Health Equity Toolkit for Local Health Departments
The Health Equity Toolkit is a collection of resources and practical tools designed to help Local Health Departments in Connecticut and other DPH Partners understand the components of health equity, and include health equity in your work

Health Equity Measures

Health Disparities
This Health Disparities Statistics and Research web page provides relevant information about health disparities in mortality, hospitalizations, birth outcomes, disease incidence, and risk factor prevalence for priority health disparities populations.
Office of Health Equity Strategic Plan, 2015 – 2018
Goal #2: Use data effectively to plan, monitor, and measure the equity impact of DPH policies and programs, with a specific focus on the social determinants of health.

Health Equity Incentives

Office of Health Equity Strategic Plan, 2015 – 2018
Goal #5 (Develop and maintain internal and external partnerships to build individual and organizational capacity to engage in equity-focused work) includes incentives as awards/recognition for both staff members and external partners.

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Delaware

Division of Public Health
The Division of Public Health's mission is to protect and promote the health of all people in Delaware.
Bureau of Health Equity
Our vision is to ensure everyone in Delaware will achieve their full health potential by eliminating differences in health outcomes due to social determinants (economical and social conditions that influence health), resulting in a state of health equity.

Health Equity Initiatives

Promote and provide training on cultural competency to improve access to health services for Delaware»s under-served populations;
Provide relevant statistical data to assess and identify health status of such populations;
Increase awareness of major health problems and factors that influence health;
Identify needs and expand community-based health promotion and disease prevention outreach effort;
Establish and strengthen networks, coalitions, and partnerships to identify and address health problems; and
Collaborate with public health partners to develop and promote programs and best practices to achieve health equity.
Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care (CLAS Standards)

Health Equity Strategic Map
Delaware Public Health's Health Equity Strategic Map

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Guide for Public Health Practitioners and Partners
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), the University of Delaware’s School of Public Policy & Administration, and other partners created the Health Equity Guide for Public Health Practitioners and Partners to help Delawareans better understand tools and strategies that promote health equity and support upstream population health approaches.
Structural Racism as a Fundamental Cause of Health Inequities (Partnership for Healthy Communities, University of Delaware)
This policy brief describes the role of racism in creating and perpetuating inequities in health among Black communities in the United States. It defines structural racism within a social determinants of health framework and highlights ways in which residential segregation is connected with poor living, working, and social conditions that threaten good health. This brief concludes with recommendations for advancing health equity through more concerted attention to structural racism.
Delaware Focus: Health Inequities and Race in the First State (Partnership for Healthy Communities, University of Delaware)

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Florida

Florida Health (Department of Health)
The role of public health is to promote and protect the health and safety of all Floridians.
Office of Minority Health and Health Equity
The OMHHE will remain committed to promoting culturally and linguistically appropriate services that will ensure the needs of minority communities are integrated and addressed within health-related programs across the state.

Health Equity Initiatives

Closing the Gap Grant
The Reducing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities "Closing the Gap" grant program, section 381.7356, Florida Statutes, was signed into law on June 8, 2000. These grants are utilized to stimulate the development of community and neighborhood-based organizations to improve health outcomes of racial and ethnic populations and promote disease prevention activities.
Minority Health Liaisons
The Minority Health Liaisons (MHLs) are the link between local communities and the Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) Office of Minority Health and Health Equity (OMHHE). A representative from each of the 67 county health departments make up the Minority Health Liaisons infrustructure.
Body and Soul Toolkit
Body and Soul is a wellness program developed for African American churches. The program encourages church members to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables every day for better health. Churches that embrace Body and Soul help their members take care of their bodies as well as their spirits. The church is one of the most powerful elements to African American culture, and clergy leaders are key influencers to their congregations.
Minority Health Month
National Minority Health Month began over 100 years ago as a National Negro Health Week. In April 1915, Dr. Booker T. Washington dispatched a letter to the leading African American newspapers, proposing the observance of “National Negro Health Week. Health was the key to progress and equity in all other things, he argued: “Without health and long life, all else fails.” He called on local health departments, schools, churches, businesses, professional associations, and the most influential organizations in the African-American community to “pull together” and “unite…in one great National Health Movement.” That observance grew into what is today a month-long initiative to advance health equity across the country, on behalf of all racial and ethnic minorities - National Minority Health Month.
Take a Loved One to the Doctor Month
Take a Loved One to the Doctor Month is a national campaign encouraging people to take charge of their own health and then to encourage their loved ones to do the same.

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Closing the Gap Grant
The Reducing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities "Closing the Gap" grant program, section 381.7356, Florida Statutes, was signed into law on June 8, 2000. These grants are utilized to stimulate the development of community and neighborhood-based organizations to improve health outcomes of racial and ethnic populations and promote disease prevention activities.

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Georgia

Department of Public Health
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters from a health perspective.
Office of Health Equity
To lead in the elimination of health disparities and promote a healthy quality of life for all Georgians.

Health Equity Initiatives

Be allocated with sufficient resources to promote health equity and establish themselves publicly as leaders in this area;
Build on current strengths and relationships with other Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) programs;
Actively engage disparate communities in addressing their own priorities and needs;
Value partnerships and collaboration as key catalysts for action; and
Develop the necessary expertise to provide technical assistance where needed.

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Hawaii

Department of Health
The mission of the Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and environment for all people in Hawai`i.
Office of Health Equity
OHE serves as the Department’s focal point for health equity through improved planning and coordination of activities and programs related to social, cultural, linguistic, and economically disadvantaged populations in Hawaii.

Health Equity Initiatives

Identifies health disparities and health needs
Develops recommendations for effective, culturally appropriate interventions within selected populations
Promotes adoption of the Healthy People 2010 Objectives advocated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the priority areas and issues of the Office of Minority Health

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Idaho

Department of Health and Welfare
Our mission is to promote and protect the health and safety of Idahoans.

Illinois

Department of Public Health
The mission of the Illinois Department of Public Health is to protect the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation, and the control of disease and injury.
Center for Minority Health Services
To improve the health and well being of Illinois’ racial and ethnic minority populations through the development of health policies and culturally linguistically appropriate programs that will eliminate health disparities.
(Note: Scroll down for information about Health Equity Council.)

Health Equity Initiatives

Wellness on Wheels Mobile Units
The Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Minority Health Services offers the use of its Wellness on Wheels (WOW) Mobile Units to organizations and local health departments wanting to take health clinic services into a community. WOW units can be requested for use providing immunizations, various health screenings, HIV and STD testing, and other services.
Love to Love Your Heart
The Love to Love Your Heart is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Center for Minority Health Services in partnership with faith-based communities. The goal of the Love to Love Your Heart initiative is to prevent heart attacks and stroke through education; awareness trainings regarding cardiovascular risk factors including focus on high blood pressure; and promotion of nutrition and healthy activities to support heart health.
Health Equity Council
The mission of IDPH’s Health Equity Council (HEC) is to support a work culture within the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) that promotes health equity and works to eliminate health disparities through increased coordination with leadership, programs, and strategic partnerships.

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Indiana

Department of Health
To promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers
Office of Minority Health
To improve the health of all racial and ethnic populations in Indiana through increased awareness, partnerships, and the development and promotion of effective health policies and programs that help to reduce minority health disparities.
Health Disparities Division
The Health Disparities Division provides epidemiological support to the Indiana State Department of Health Office of Minority, as well as, other divisions within the agency to ensure the collection of minority health data. This division also collaborates with community partners on statewide minority health epidemiology projects.

Health Equity Initiatives

Indiana Minority Health Plan
Healthy Indiana – A Minority Health Plan for the State of Indiana (the Healthy Indiana Minority Health Plan) is founded in four overarching strategic goals that capture the primary purpose for proposing, developing, and implementing a minority-specific health plan for the state of Indiana:
- Prepare evidence-based documentation of racial and ethnic health disparities in Indiana.
- Develop a plan of interventional strategies designed to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities in Indiana.
- Identify and solidify effective public/private, community-based partnerships to help develop, implement, evaluate, and assess outcomes of the proposed interventional strategies.
- Reduce disparities in health based on race or ethnicity among Indiana residents such that the “gap effect” for any focus area is less than five percent.
EMPOWERED Program (Enhancing Minority Partnership Opportunities; Working to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Disparities)
Through the State Partnership Grant Program to Improve Minority Health program, EMPOWERED provides health education-based initiatives focusing on decreasing obesity, decreasing infant mortality, increasing the number of minority mothers who breastfeed, and improving access to smoking cessation opportunities.
Interagency Council on Black and Minority Health
The Interagency State Council on Black and Minority Health was established to identify and address health disparities, their impact upon the state of Indiana, and the actions necessary to improve health outcomes for racial, ethnic, and underserved populations.
State Master Research Plan
Race and Ethnicity and Language Workgroup
Region V Interstate and Tribal Data Quality Workgroup

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Iowa

Department of Public Health
Protecting and Improving the Health of Iowans
Data Management & Health Equity Program
The Data Management & Health Equity Program provides IDPH staff members with technical assistance, and resources.

Health Equity Initiatives

workforce development
data analysis and use
program activities and outreach
assessment of internal and external policy and procedures

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Kansas

Department of Health and Environment
To protect and improve the health and environment of all Kansans.

Kentucky

Department for Public Health
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is responsible for developing and operating state public health programs and activities for the citizens of Kentucky. The mission of DPH is to improve the health and safety of people in Kentucky through prevention, promotion and protection.
City of Louisville — Health Equity Report
The 2017 Health Equity Report is designed as a tool for policy makers and residents to better understand how they can create more equitable policies and practices, and it examines the history of Louisville and how our past has influenced our present.
Northern Kentucky Health Department
The Northern Kentucky Health Department is the public agency charged with performing mandated public health services and addressing priority community health needs.
Northern Kentucky Health Department — Health Equity
To better understand the health of the Northern Kentucky region, the Health Department examined a variety of factors that can impact health, including income and education.

Louisiana

Department of Health
The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all citizens of the State of Louisiana.
Bureau of Minority Health Access
The Bureau addresses or eliminates health disparities for the underserved, under-represented populations in Louisiana by using multicultural and culturally-competent approaches to enhance the ways in which health services are designed and delivered.
Health Equity Initiatives
A list of health equity initiatives and objectives for the Bureau of Minority Health Access

Health Equity Initiatives

Gain an understanding of the impact of pending health care reform on health equity
Lay the groundwork for regional and local advocate communities working to promote health equity
Share information about work on health equity
Build new relationships and connections with others working on health equity and access
Identify priorities for health equity work
Determine resources needed for this work
Discuss how local and national organizations can assist in moving health equity work forward"

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Maine

Department of Health and Human Services
The Department provides health care and social services to approximately a third of the state's population, including children, families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness and substance use disorders.

(Note: The Office of Health Equity site has been removed from the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention site. The link on the divisions page is no longer active. Last checked September 16, 2019.)

Maryland

Department of Health
We work together to promote and improve the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management, and community engagement.
Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities
The Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities' mission is to address the social determinants of health and eliminate health disparities by leveraging the Department’s resources, providing health equity consultation, impacting external communications, guiding policy decisions and influencing strategic direction on behalf of the Secretary of Health.

Health Equity Initiatives

Minority Outreach & Technical Assistance
The purpose of the Minority Outreach and Technical Assistance (MOTA) program is to improve the health outcomes of racial and ethnic minority communities through community engagement, partnerships, outreach and technical assistance.
EMBRACE (Educating Minorities of Benefits Received After Consumer Enrollment)
The goal of EMBRACE is to increase rates of health insurance, increase use of primary care services, and reduce rates of emergency department visits and hospital readmissions.
Cultural and Linguistic Competency & Health Literacy Resources
- Recommended training modules/courses in cultural and linguistic competency, health disparities, and health literacy
- CLAS standards training toolkits
- Primer on cultural competency and health literacy
- National CLAS standards
- Cultural competency workgroup final report
Cultural Competency Recommended Online Trainings
A table of recommended cultural and linguistic competency, health disparities and health literacy training modules. Each module is listed with the module's name, a link, format, duration, and objectives and information.
Community Health Worker Initiative
Background about the community health worker initiative and resources for them
Health Equity Internship Program
The Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (MHHD) within the Maryland Department of Health welcomes interns, volunteers, fellows, those seeking job shadowing experience, and other interested parties to participate in MHHD’s Health Equity Internship Program.

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Data
Infographics and reports about specific population groups

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Massachusetts

Department of Public Health
DPH promotes the health and well-being of all residents by ensuring access to high-quality public health and healthcare services, and by focusing on prevention, wellness, and health equity in all people.
Office of Health Equity
OHE works to address social determinants so everyone can attain their full health potential. We promote principles and policies that inform the way health services are designed and delivered.

Health Equity Initiatives

Interpreter Services at Health Care Facilities
Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Initiative
Refugee and Immigrant Health Program
Health and Disability Program
Oral Health Equity Project
Determination of Need

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Michigan

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is located in all 83 Michigan counties and provides a variety of services to the residents of Michigan via thirteen offices and departments.
Health Disparities Reduction and Minority Health Section
To provide a persistent and continuing focus on assuring health equity and eliminating health disparities among Michigan's populations of color.

Health Equity Initiatives

To support and initiate programs, policies, and applied research to address social determinants of health that contribute to health inequities for racial and ethnic minority populations in Michigan;
To collaborate in the development of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services prevention, health service delivery, and research strategies in an effort to improve health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority populations in Michigan; and,
To facilitate implementation of culturally and linguistically appropriate health services throughout the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Trainings
Links to trainings:
- "Cultural Proficiency: Developing Cultural Competency from the Inside Out"
- Health Equity Online Training
- Building Healthy Communities Training Course/ Health Equity and Community Engagement
Toolkits
Links to toolkits about:
- Holes in the Mitten
- Supporting/Printable Documents
- Michigan Health Equity Roadmap
- Public Act 653

Health Equity Measures

Documents/Annual Reports
Links to the following reports:
- Michigan Health Equity Roadmap
- Community Conversations Report
- Public Act 653 Health Reports
Minority Health Data Reports
Links to the following reports:
- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveys
- Michigan Health Equity Data Project
- Pregnancy and Infant Health Indicators among Asian and Pacific Islanders in Michigan
- Additional Data Projects
- PA 653 Briefs

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Minnesota

Department of Health
Protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans
Center for Health Equity
The Center for Health Equity (CHE) was created in 2013 to advance health equity within the Minnesota Department of Health and across the state.

Health Equity Initiatives

Health Equity Initiatives and Projects
Some of the initiatives, projects and councils coordinated by the Center for Health Equity:
- Community Conversations on Advancing Health Equity
- Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative (EHDI) Grants
- Health Equity Advisory and Leadership (HEAL) Council
- Health Equity Leadership Network (HELN)
- Infant Mortality Among African Americans Project
- I-HEALTH
- Public Health Grants to Tribal Nations

Health Equity Measures

Reports and Publications
Links to reports on the following topics:
- Advancing Health Equity
- Paid Leave
- Emergency Communication
- Legislative Reports
- EHDI (Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative) Grant Program
- Health Statistics
- Working Group on Violence Against Asian Women and Children
- Somali Mental Health Project

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Mississippi

Mississippi Department of Health
The Mississippi State Department of Health's mission is to protect and advance the health, well-being and safety of everyone in Mississippi.
Health Equity
The Health Equity arm of MSDH is committed to addressing Health Equity in the processes, policies, and procedures of all MSDH programs.

Health Equity Initiatives

Health Disparity Data
Cultural Competence Training
Community Interpreter Training
Hepatitis B Screenings for the Gulf Coast

Health Equity Measures

State of the State: Annual Mississippi Health Disparities and Inequalities Report
Report includes:
- Conditions
  - Cardiovascular Disease
  - Overweight/Obesity
  - Diabetes
  - Renal Disease
  - Asthma
  - HIV/AIDS
  - Cancer
  - Infant Mortality
  - Teenage Pregnancy
  - Injury and Violence
- Risk Factors of Illness
  - Exercise
  - Immunizations
  - Oral Health
  - Tobacco
- Access to Care
  - Health Insurance Coverage

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Missouri

Department of Health & Senior Services
To be the leader in promoting, protecting and partnering for health.
Office of Minority Health
The mission of the Missouri Office of Minority Health is to eliminate health disparities through assertive leadership, advocacy support, and visible interaction with minority communities in Missouri.

Health Equity Initiatives

HIV/AIDS Prevention Plan: Promoting Healthy Minority Communities
Minority Infant Mortality Prevention Initiative
Obesity Prevention
4th Sunday: Where Health Meets Faith
Minority Health Advisory Committee
Paula J. Carter Center on Minority Health and Aging

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Montana

Department of Public Health and Human Services
Improving and protecting the health, well-being and self-reliance of all Montanans
Health Disparities (Prevention Resource Center)
Resources about health disparities using Healthy People 2020 information.

Health Equity Initiatives

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Nebraska

Department of Health and Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services team contributes to the lives and health of Nebraskans every day. Our mission, “Helping people live better lives," provides the motivation to make a difference
Health Disparities and Health Equity
Promote and support the advancement of health equity in Nebraska using data, partnerships, funding, training and technical assistance.

Health Equity Initiatives

HDHE Training & Resources
Links to training and resources:
- Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services
- Cultural Intelligence
- Training Videos

Health Equity Measures

Reports, Infographics and Fact Sheets
Links to Nebraska Scorecards, HDHE (Health Disparities and Health Equity) Infographics and Fact Sheets, HDHE Maps, and HDHE Reports.
Disparities Demographic Data Recommendations

Health Equity Incentives

Minority Health Initiative Funding
The Nebraska Legislature appropriates funds to implement minority health initiatives (MHI) in counties with minority populations greater than five percent in the first and third Congressional Districts as determined by the most recent federal decennial census (Nebraska State Statute 71‐1628.07). The statute directs funding be used to address, but not be limited to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, asthma and infant mortality.

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Nevada

Department of Health and Human Services
The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) promotes the health and well-being of its residents through the delivery or facilitation of a multitude of essential services to ensure families are strengthened, public health is protected, and individuals achieve their highest level of self-sufficiency.
Office of Minority Health and Equity (NOMHE)
The vision of the NOMHE is to achieve optimal levels of health and wellness for racial and ethnic minorities in the state.

Health Equity Initiatives

Identify, assess and analyze issues related to the health status of minority populations and to communicate this information where needed;
Participate in, and lead when appropriate, the development of minority needs assessments, service strategies and the collection of minority health data;
Provide reference and resource information on minority health issues;
Engage internal and external entities to support initiatives that address specific minority health needs, including target health care program resources to meet these needs;
Monitor programs, policies and procedures for inclusiveness and responsiveness to minority health needs; and
Facilitate the development and implementation of research and scientific investigations to produce minority specific findings.

Toolkit for Community Action

Health Equity Measures

Biennial Reports
This page contains biennial reports summarizing the major outcomes and activities of the Nevada Office of Minority Health and Equity.
Minority Health Report for 2019
The purpose of this report is to highlight existing health disparities by race/ethnicity in Nevada, with a focus upon the most current data available.

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

New Hampshire

Department of Health and Human Services
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is the largest agency in New Hampshire state government, responsible for the health, safety and well-being of the citizens of New Hampshire.
Office of Health Equity
Office of Health Equity works to ensure that all residents of New Hampshire have access to DHHS services and to improve the health of minorities. (Formerly known as Office of Minority Health & Refugee Affairs.)

Health Equity Initiatives

Provides a sustained focus on the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services to NH's residents by DHHS;
Maintains communication with racial, ethnic and other medically underserved populations to create partnerships to enhance the overall health of the communities by developing combined opportunities and resources to address health disparities; and
Collaborates and partners with federal and regional state minority health offices and NH health and community agencies regarding various regional, national and state health disparity initiatives.

Communication Access & Language Assistance
Communication Access means providing assistance to all who need it, including individuals who are Deaf or have hearing loss, are blind or have low vision, or people who have limited English proficiency (LEP).
NH Health & Equity Partnership
The work of the public-private NH Health & Equity Partnership (NH H&EP) will be guided by the Plan to Address Health Disparities and Promote Health Equity in New Hampshire Adobe Acrobat Reader Symbol into the implementation, evaluation, monitoring, and improvement phases, and beyond, to promote a more just and equitable future for all people in NH.
New Hampshire Refugee Program
The primary goal of the Refugee Program is to assist refugees in their quest for economic self-sufficiency and successful integration.

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

NH Health Profession Opportunity Project
The New Hampshire Health Profession Opportunity Project (HPOP) is a five year initiative led by the NH Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Health Equity (OHE). We are very excited to be leading this effort to increase workforce training opportunities for low-income individuals who desire training in healthcare occupations.

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

New Jersey

Department of Health
Improving health through leadership and innovation
Office of Minority and Multicultural Health
The mission of the Office of Minority and Multicultural Health is to promote health equity for all and reduce health disparities.

Health Equity Initiatives

Cultural Competency Resources
Culturally competent health workers not only respect cultural differences, they incorporate them into the entire patient care or program planning process. In the health care setting, this can require organizational change as well as more skilled one-on-one patient interactions.

Health Equity Measures

New Jersey Health Disparity Priority Areas Data
NJSHAD Indicator Reports are brief online reports that contain data, graphs, and contextual information for a specific public health issue, such as why it's important, what the current status is, and what is being done to improve it.

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

New Mexico

Department of Health
Promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and assure safety net services for all people in New Mexico.
Office of Health Equity
The Office of Health Equity (OHE) is committed to improving the health of all diverse communities in New Mexico and raising awareness of health disparities through collaboration, education and advocacy.

Health Equity Initiatives

Workforce training and development, including Spanish and Navajo medical interpreting, a Public Health Spanish course, and cultural competency training.
Cultural and linguistic competence policy assessment.
Health promotion and awareness activities.
Translation and interpretation services.

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

New York

Department of Health
We protect, improve and promote the health, productivity and well being of all New Yorkers.
Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Prevention
Our goal is to ensure high quality, affordable and accessible health care for all New Yorkers.

Health Equity Initiatives

Health Equity Measures

New York State Health Equity Report County Edition - April 2019
As part of its ongoing effort to improve the health of racial, ethnic and other underserved populations in New York State, statute (Title II F Section 242, Public Health Law, 1992) requires the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to produce a biennial report on the health status of racial and ethnic populations. (Previous reports available in the "Minority Health Reports and Other Resources" section of the Resources page.)
New York State 2017 Health Equity Reports
A series of reports on select cities and towns throughout New York State. (Previous reports available in the "Minority Health Reports and Other Resources" section of the Resources page.)

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

North Carolina

Department of Health and Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services manages the delivery of health- and human-related services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable citizens – children, elderly, disabled and low-income families.
Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities
The mission of the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities is to promote and advocate for the elimination of health disparities among all racial and ethnic minorities and other underserved populations in North Carolina.

Health Equity Initiatives

N.C. Minority Diabetes Prevention Program (NC MDPP)
The North Carolina Minority Diabetes Prevention Program (NC MDPP) is a statewide collaborative effort between local health departments, local health care providers, and community organizations across North Carolina to keep people with prediabetes from developing type 2 diabetes and other health problems, such as stroke and heart disease.
Cultural and Community Health Initiatives
The Cultural and Community Health Initiatives utilize best practices, innovative approaches, and evidence-based strategies to eliminate health disparities and promote health equity.
N.C. Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (NC CLAS) Program
The Culturally & Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Program offers free training and technical assistance to organizations and community members interested in learning more about cultural competence and the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care (National CLAS Standards).
Health Equity Lunch and Learn Series
On December 1, 2015, the Health Equity Lunch & Learn Series was initiated for health professionals, students, and interested members of the public.
Community Health Ambassadors Program (CHAP)
The Community Health Ambassador Program (CHAP) is a statewide training and education project designed to engage leaders from diverse communities and populations to help eliminate health disparities in North Carolina.

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

North Dakota

Department of Health
Improve the length and quality of life for all North Dakotans.
Health Equity Office
The Health Equity Program works to understand and reduce health disparities among all North Dakotan’s.

Health Equity Initiatives

Health Equity Measures

North Dakota 2017 Health Disparities Report

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Ohio

Department of Health
To protect and improve the health of all Ohioans by preventing disease, promoting good health and assuring access to quality health care.
Health Equity (Office of Healthy Ohio)
Through its Office of Healthy Ohio, ODH is addressing elimination of health inequities via increased awareness and action in ODH programs and initiatives.

Health Equity Initiatives

Resources
Health equity resources organized in the following categories: applying social determinants of health to public health practices, educational resources for health equity concepts, resources to plan strategies and implement activities to eliminate health inequities, and academic and governmental studies on health disparities and inequities

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Data
Links to data resources about health equity

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Oklahoma

Department of Health
To protect and promote health, to prevent disease and injury, and to cultivate conditions by which Oklahomans can be healthy.
Health Equity and Resource Opportunities
Health Equity and Resource Opportunities (HERO) was created within the Community Development Service to address inequities that are a result of social determinants of health.

Health Equity Initiatives

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Oregon

Oregon Health Authority
Ensuring all people and communities can achieve optimum physical, mental, and social well-being through partnerships, prevention, and access to quality, affordable health care.
Office of Equity and Inclusion
The Office of Equity and Inclusion works with diverse communities to eliminate health gaps and promote optimal health in Oregon. By connecting people and programs, we can make substantial, measurable progress in improving the health of all Oregonians.

Health Equity Programs

Affirmative Action Reporting
Civil Rights Program
Cultural Competence Continuing Education (CCCE)
Developing Equity Leadership through Training and Action (DELTA)
Equity and Inclusion Training
Health Care Interpreter (TCI) Program
Race, Ethnicity, Language, and Disability (REALD) Implementation
Regional Health Equity Coalitions
Traditional Health Worker (THW) Program

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Oregon Incentive Measures

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Oregon Incentive Measures

Pennsylvania

Department of Health
The Department's mission is to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent injury and disease, and to assure the safe delivery of quality health care for all Commonwealth citizens.
Office of Health Equity
The Office of Health Equity (OHE) was formally integrated into the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) through an executive order signed in May 2007. Located within the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Deputate, the OHE Director reports to the Deputy Secretary for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

Health Equity Initiatives

Public Health 3.0
The Department of Health is holding four regional events across the commonwealth to bring together different sectors (e.g. business, education, housing, transportation, etc.) to have a conversation about how we can create conditions that allow all members of our communities to live healthy lives.
Pennsylvania Interagency Health Equity Team (PIHET)
The Pennsylvania Interagency Health Equity Team was initiated in February 2017. This team is a replication of a federal interagency team (FIHET) which includes a representative or representatives from many state agencies that come together to discuss health equity among their particular agency.

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Rhode Island

Department of Health
To prevent disease and protect and promote the health and safety of the people of Rhode Island.
Health Equity
Health equity means everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthier. This requires removing obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and their consequences, including powerlessness and lack of access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education and housing, safe environments, and healthcare.
Health Equity Institute
To promote access to comprehensive, high quality services so that all Rhode Islanders may achieve their optimal state of health.

Health Equity Initiatives

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards
Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards are guidelines to ensure that we are responding to diverse languages, health beliefs, cultural practices, and health literacy levels.
Health Equity Summit
The Health Equity Summit organized by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) provides individuals from all walks of life with the opportunity to come together to learn about and discuss current and emerging issues affecting health equity in our state.
Healthy Communities
The health of our communities contributes to our health.
Community Health Workers
Community Health Workers are frontline, public health professionals who often have similar cultural beliefs, chronic health conditions, disability, or life experiences as other people in the same community.

Health Equity Measures

RIDOH Strategic Framework
The RIDOH Strategic Framework is the Department’s blueprint for reducing health disparities and achieving health equity in Rhode Island.
Health Equity Indicators
Through an extensive community engagement process, the Community Health Assessment Group developed a core set of 15 indicators in five domains that affect health equity: integrated healthcare, community resiliency, physical environment, socioeconomics, and community trauma.
Healthcare Access
To measure access to healthcare among adults 18 years and older.
Community Health Assessment Data
Self-reported health behaviors and general health of adult residents age 18 and older in Southside Providence, Constitution Hill, and Central Falls compared to adults in core cities and statewide; characteristics of neighborhood street segments

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

South Carolina

Department of Health and Environmental Control
To improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians by protecting and promoting the health of the public and the environment.
Minority Resources
Resources from the Office of Minority Health

Health Equity Initiatives

Protect Your Body. Protect Your Temple Toolkit
The Office of Minority Health (OMH) developed the Protect Your Body. Protect Your Temple Toolkit to provide African American faith based organizations with ideas and resources to help plan, develop and implement health related programs and activities focusing on physical activity, nutrition and tobacco prevention. The toolkit includes: education and awareness activities, best and promising practice model, ideas to consider and sample policies.

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

South Dakota

Department of Health
To promote, protect and improve the health of every South Dakotan
Health Equity & Cultural Competency
As part of the 2015-2020 Strategic Plan, the South Dakota Department of Health has developed this webpage to provide a central location for cultural competency training and resources for its employees in order to promote a culture of organizational excellence.

Health Equity Initiatives

Site provides tips and links to information about strategies for health equity; trainings, webinars, and continuing education; ways to stay updated; national standards (CLAS), self-assessments, and partners.

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Tennessee

Department of Health
Protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee.
Office of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination
The Office of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination serves as a central point for the Department on minority health issues.

Health Equity Initiatives

Faith Based and Community Initiatives
Realizing the importance role faith communities play in the life journey of Tennesseans, the Department of Health has created an initiative to work with faith communities, providing resources, support, and creating a network of individuals and communities so that all Tennesseans may travel through life filled with purpose and well-being.
Competencies and Goals
A list of goals, strategies, and activities (note: several links on this page no longer work)

Health Equity Measures

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Texas

Health and Human Services
Improving the health, safety and well-being of Texans with good stewardship of public resources.
Department of State Health Services
To improve the health, safety, and well-being of Texans through good stewardship of public resources, and a focus on core public health functions.

Note: The Office of Minority Health Statistics and Engagement, also referred to as the Center for Elimination of Disproportionality, closed on Sept. 1, 2018. (Per Process Improvement.)

Utah

Department of Health
We strongly believe that health is critical for enjoying a prosperous life. Our vision is for Utah to be a place where all people can enjoy the best health possible, where all can live, grow, and prosper in healthy and safe communities.
Office of Health Disparities
The Office of Health Disparities (OHD) is committed to a vision where all people have a fair opportunity to reach their highest health potential given that health is crucial for well-being, longevity, and economic and social mobility.

Health Equity Initiatives

Bridging Communities and Clinics Project
Bridging Communities and Clinics (BCC) is a community-based outreach program developed by the Office of Health Disparities (OHD) that was successfully piloted in 2012 through outreach conducted in four Wasatch Front counties. The BCC outreach model was designed to address known inadequacies and inefficiencies of the “traditional” health fair approach to community health outreach.
It Takes a Village: Giving Our Babies the Best Chance (ITAV) Project
The It Takes A Village: Giving Our Babies the Best Chance program is an ongoing effort by the Utah Department of Health Office of Health Disparities (OHD) to address birth outcomes among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities. OHD has developed a culturally relevant curriculum aimed at creating healthier communities and babies.
CLAS Standards and Resources
A variety of resources and training about Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards.
Multilingual Library
An online library for health education materials, with links to documents in multiple languages and information related to targeted populations.

Health Equity Measures

Data & Reports
Links to a variety of reports

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Vermont

Department of Health
Protect and promote the best health for all Vermonters
Health Equity
Health equity exists when all people have a fair and just opportunity to be healthy, especially those who have experienced socioeconomic disadvantage, historical injustice, and other avoidable systemic inequalities that are often associated with social categories of race, gender, ethnicity, social position, sexual orientation and disability.

Health Equity Initiatives

Community Engagement
Cultural Humility
Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Care
Reflect and Respect Diversity
Health Equity Action Team
Plan, Track and Evaluate
Language Access, Interpretation and Translation
Monitor Health Disparities

Health Equity Measures

Social Determinants of Health/Health Equity Scorecard
Everyone should have an equal chance to be healthy. How are we doing with regard to the social determinants of health and equity?
How Are We Doing? Perfromance Scorecards
The Health Department actively uses performance data to improve the health of Vermonters. We want to know how well we and our partners are performing, so we can adjust public health strategies accordingly.
Plans and Reports
The Health Department publishes plans, analyses and reports on a wide range of public health issues. In this section are publications about the goals and targets set in our state health improvement plan, our state health assessment, our strategic plan, and health impact and environmental assessments.

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Virginia

Department of Health
The Mission of the Virginia Department of Health is to protect the health and promote the well-being of all people in Virginia.
Office of Health Equity
The Office of Health Equity is committed to ensuring all Virginians have fair and quality health care in every corner of the state.

Health Equity Initiatives

Multicultural and Community Engagement
The office develops programs and partnerships to empower racial and ethnic minority communities to promote awareness of health inequities.
Rural Health
The purpose of this office is to strengthen rural health care delivery systems by maintaining a focal point for rural health. This is achieved through the federally funded program, Virginia’s State Office of Rural Health (VA-SORH).
Primary Care
Assures the availability of quality health care to low income, uninsured, isolated, vulnerable and special needs populations and to meet these populations’ unique health care needs.
CLAS (Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate health Care Services)
Links to provider resources, language resources, and policy/research information.

Health Equity Measures

Data and Epidemiology
The Division of Social Epidemiology provides data management, research and analytical support to the Office of Health Equity, Virginia Department of Health and external stakeholders.
Virginia Health Opportunity Index
The Virginia Department of Health – Office Health Equity (VDH-OHE) has developed the Virginia Health Opportunity Index (HOI) to help communities understand the many factors determining health, so they can work to improve the health outcomes for all their residents. Multiple factors can affect your overall health, and the Virginia HOI is a compilation of that information and creates a visual representation.
Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) & Medically Underserved Areas
Links to designations, factsheets, and maps.

Health Equity Incentives

Incentive Programs
The Commonwealth of Virginia offers several incentive programs to attract primary health professionals to Virginia’s underserved areas. The summary of incentive programs lists scholarship programs, loan repayment programs, and waivers for health professionals who meet specific conditions.

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Washington

Department of Health
The Department of Health protects and improves the health of people in Washington State.
Health Equity
Health equity efforts, data and tools, opportunities, resources, and more.

Health Equity Initiatives

Build the Department of Health’s organizational infrastructure and workforce to promote and support health equity.
Develop and implement a robust system for collecting, monitoring, using and analyzing data on health outcomes and behaviors to assess disparities and to advance health equity.
Invest in sustained quality internal and external partnerships with local health departments, community-based and Tribal organizations, Tribes, Urban Indian programs, and other identified multi-sector public and private entities to eliminate disparities and promote health equity.
Implement, support and evaluate policies that create the social, environmental and economic conditions to achieve health equity.
Ensure that communication on health equity is visible and accessible to Department of Health staff, external partners and the general public.

Health Equity Measures

Information by Location (IBL) Mapping Tool for Health Disparities
This interactive tool can be used to identify health disparities in a community, but should not be used to diagnose a health issue or label a community.
Data and Tools for Project Planning
Links to data sources and planning resources

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

West Virginia

Department of Health
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) provides a wide range of necessary and life-saving services to many West Virginia residents.

Wisconsin

Department of Health Services
To protect and promote the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin.
Minority Health Program
The Minority Health Program provides statewide leadership for policy measures that aim to improve the health of vulnerable populations in Wisconsin.

Health Equity Initiatives

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care
The National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care (link is external) (the National CLAS Standards) are intended to advance health equity, improve quality, and help eliminate health care disparities by establishing a blueprint for health and health care organizations to provide effective, equitable, understandable, and respectful quality care and services that are responsive to diverse cultural health beliefs and practices, preferred languages, health literacy, and other communication needs.
Social and Physical Environments that Promote Health (Social Determinants of Health)
While continuing to help individuals and families take responsibility for their health, Healthiest Wisconsin 2020 focuses on how health choices are influenced by other factors, such as where we live, learn, work and play. These factors are sometimes referred to as the "social determinants of health."

Health Equity Measures

Healthiest Wisconsin 2020: State Health Plan
Healthiest Wisconsin 2020: Everyone Living Better, Longer represents the third decade of statewide community health improvement planning designed to benefit the health of everyone in Wisconsin and the communities in which we live, play, work, and learn.
Healthiest Wisconsin 2020 - Focus Area Profiles
The 23 focus area profiles of HW2020 can be grouped into three categories: crosscutting, health, and infrastructure.

Health Equity Incentives

Minority Health Grants
The Minority Health Grant Program is targeted to racial/ethnic minority community-based organizations and tribes in Wisconsin. The purpose of the community grants is to support the work of organizations serving communities of color, especially those organizations that are located in areas where health disparities are high.

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable

Wyoming

Department of Health
At the Wyoming Department of Health, our mission is to promote, protect and enhance the health of all Wyoming citizens.
Office of Health Equity
Wyoming’s Office of Health Equity promotes health equity via training, evaluation, and consultation with Public Health Division (PHD) programs and partnerships across the state.

Health Equity Initiatives

Emergency Multicultural Phrasebook
Links to an emergency multicultural phrasebook available in multiple languages
Wyoming State Network for Language Access (WYSNLA)
WYSNLA, the Wyoming State Network for Language Access, is a community of legal and healthcare professionals, law enforcement personnel, interpreters, translators, service providers, advocates and community members dedicated to ensuring Wyoming’s local and state agencies understand and comply with the language access provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Language Access Services Toolkit (Translation & Interpreter Information)
Information for locating translation and interpreter services.
Culturally And Linguistically Appropriate Services In Health Care (CLAS)
The National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Standards (CLAS) are intended to advance health equity, improve quality and help eliminate health care disparities by establishing a blueprint individuals as well as health and health care organizations to implement culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
Health Equity Training
Information about health equity workgroup trainings -- short, informative presentations organized to educate on health equity topics affecting people in the State of Wyoming.

Health Equity Measures

Interactive Statistics
An embedded interactive map for visualizing locations of disparities. Also links link s to additional reports and maps.
Wyoming Health Disparity Report (2012)
This report is the first comprehensive examination of health disparities in Wyoming and includes more than 30 health and related social indicators.

Health Equity Incentives

Methods for Holding Managed Care Organizations and Providers Accountable