In Maine—the whitest state in the nation—people of color, most of whom are immigrants and refugees, face disproportionate barriers across every domain of the social determinants of health (SDOH), from unmet basic needs to poor health outcomes. These disparities are a direct result of structural racism embedded within healthcare, policy, and social systems. Racism is a public health emergency, and addressing it requires urgency, investment, and action rooted in community voice and power.

At MaineHealth, we are leveraging universal SDOH screening, data stratified by race, ethnicity, and language, and trusted partnerships with ethnic-based organizations to dismantle inequities and shift systems. Our data show that non-English speakers are screened for SDOH at significantly lower rates than English speakers, yet have three times higher positive screening rates. This gap stems from care team hesitancy, language barriers, and patient fear—rooted in deportation concerns, DHHS involvement, and cultural stigma. In response, we are partnering with interpreter services to train care teams in trauma-informed, culturally humble approaches that promote psychological safety and improve screening completion.

This session will highlight our model of equity-centered, cross-sector collaboration. CBOs use our data to pursue grants, shape programming, and drive systems change—such as the introduction of LD 1080, a bill to remove income-based utility deposit requirements that disproportionately impact immigrants without credit history.

We will explore how immigrant voices, health literacy, and trust must define inclusive care. Data without stories reinforces assumptions. By sharing power, we move toward equity.