Office of Health Equity

The Massachusetts Office of Health Equity promotes the health and well being of racial, ethnic and linguistic minority populations throughout the Commonwealth by increasing the Department of Public Health's capacity to respond effectively to the critical public health needs of these communities.

Because racial and ethnic minority groups currently experiencing poorer health status are expected to grow in population, while other groups will decline, the future health of Massachusetts as a whole will be influenced substantially by our success in improving the health of these racial and ethnic minorities.

Mission

Policy

1. Establish health disparity elimination goals.
2. Consult minority representatives and the scientific and health services communities.
3. Examine the Commonwealth's research, data, service and prevention programs and recommend necessary changes.

Research

1. Improve data for determining priorities and designing programs.
2. Research state-of-the-art interventions in minority communities.

Action

1. Implement relevant risk reduction and disease prevention programs.
2. Reduce barriers and promote access to care.
3. Increase participation of minority professionals and students in the Health Professions.

Quick Links

• Department Standards for Collection of Race, Ethnicity, and Language Data (PDF) 
• Making CLAS Happen

Contact Us

Office of Health Equity
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02108

Georgia Simpson May, Director
Phone: 617-624-5590
Fax: 617-624-6062
Email