In a broad embracement of advancing health equity, the New York State Department of Health is moving forward with a multi-faced set of initiatives designed to reduce health inequities and level the playing field for New Yorkers in terms of health access, outcomes and equity.
The focal point of this reorganization is the creation of a new Office of Health Equity & Human Rights, which is charged with implementing health equity initiatives that incorporate key social determinants of health. Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne will lead the new Office.
The New York State changes come amid growing recognition of the longtime disparities in healthcare access and outcomes across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Moreover, with data and patient health information often housed in infrastructure silos, related New York efforts to better integrate, communicate and leverage data are expected to more effectively inform policies and improve the health of individuals and families from traditionally underrepresented communities.
You can learn more about the New York State Department of Health reorganization and its newly focused initiatives to advance health equity here.
