Advocating for Social Justice and Health Equity Through Policy Making: A Case Study of Senator Rosa Franklin, RN

Background:  The purpose of this paper is to describe from a social justice perspective the career of Senator Rosa Franklin, an African American nurse who represented Tacoma's 29th District in the Washington State Legislature. Senator Franklin's 30-year career in public policy has focused on eliminating health disparities and achieving health equity. Her record of accomplishments as a professional nurse, community activist and state legislator are examined.

Methods:  Data collection methods include interviews with Senator Franklin, interviews with colleagues, a review of newspaper articles covering her public policy work, an investigation of legislation sponsored by her, and a review of documents including newsletters sent to her legislative constituents.

Results: Early familial and cultural experiences including a strong ethic in community service influenced Senator Franklin's career. Her professional nursing career and community activism provided her with rich experiences that she brought to her role as a state legislator and policy maker.  Senator Franklin advocated for issues of social justice and fair distribution of resources to achieve health.  In the 1990’s, she commissioned a GIS study on the relationship between low income and minority communities and hazardous waste sites.  She championed legislation to expand the rights and responsibilities of state registered domestic partners, increase opportunities for higher education in urban settings, find equitable financing of state government, and address other social determinants of health such as housing.

Conclusions:  Senator Franklin’s public health and social justice approach to policy making recognizes the interconnections among health, social welfare, education, housing, transportation, and economic policies.