…And Health Care Justice for All

Health care advocates have worked tirelessly to expand health care, particularly in the past year. Their efforts have heightened awareness of the importance of health care systems meeting the needs of all communities. Community Catalyst, a national organization based in Boston, strives to build consumer and community participation to shape the health care system. One method of achieving this goal is working with health care advocates to organize and mobilize coalitions to promote health equity. In order to improve health for racial and ethnic minorities the concept of social justice must be integrated and the networks of traditional health care advocates expanded. While many health care advocates understand the needs of ethnic and racial minorities, CHWs and other community leaders with unique community perspectives must be included to truly promote social justice. Community Catalyst is hosting meetings around the country bringing together state health care advocates, community health workers, immigrant health advocates and other community leaders to develop and strengthen coalitions to impact health policy. The desired outcome is the formation of broad-based statewide coalitions working to change the health care system and promote health equity for racial and ethnic communities. This interactive presentation will include the benefits and challenges of developing broad-based coalitions, lessons learned and tools developed to assist the advocates to move the health equity agenda forward. The presenter brings almost 20 years experience as a community health worker working to promote health equity through increased access to services, coalition building, mobilizing and policy development.