DPH’s commitment to racial equity
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) aims to establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with various departments, partner agencies, local governments, and other community resources.
The Department’s Strategic Plan to Advance Racial Equity, or SP-ARE, emphasizes:
- Partnerships
- Data-driven approaches
- Effective communication
These elements will help identify the root causes, social determinants of health, and health-related social needs that lead to inequitable health outcomes.
OLRH’s Racial Equity Statement
Aligned with DPH, OLRH is committed to addressing racial equity to serve all Massachusetts residents and create healthier municipalities throughout the state.
OLRH acknowledges the history as well as the current reality of structural racism and its impact on health. OLRH leads explicitly, but not exclusively, with race. The Office recognizes that people of color have experienced and continue to experience racism, discrimination, and oppression. The Office further acknowledges the historical and current oppression of other populations and the importance of valuing the multiple identities individuals hold.
The Office stands committed to working alongside local public health departments and Massachusetts’ federally recognized Tribes to address racial equity. Improving the health outcomes of all requires an intentional focus on racial equity. This collective work, with an intentional focus on racial equity, aims to improve the quality of life for all people in the Commonwealth while eliminating inequities that disproportionately impact the lives of communities of color, who have historically been affected by conditions that ultimately lead to poorer health outcomes.
Building a more equitable Massachusetts
Public health is based on the idea that everyone should have the opportunity to be as healthy and as safe as possible. Your ZIP code should not impact your access to public health services.
Everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to be the healthiest they can be, regardless of where they live, who they are, or how much money they have.
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Local public health strives to create healthy and safe environments. And, remove barriers to support and services so that people may lead long, healthy lives.
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Governor Maura Healey signed the State Action for Public Health Excellence, or SAPHE 2.0, into law in November 2024 as part of the Economic Development Bill (M.G.L. c. 111 s. 27D and Sections 307-309 of Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024). The law aims to strengthen the protections local public health offers everyone in Massachusetts.
What local public health can do to advance racial equity in communities
What local public health can do to advance racial equity in communities
OLRH collaborates with the Office of Community Health Planning and Engagement, the State Office of Rural Health, and the Office of Health Equity to support local public health efforts in addressing health disparities and the social determinants of health within their communities.
Local public health organizations can:
- Engage with partners: Partner with community members, organizations, and coalitions to co-create policies and programs that reflect their needs and lived experiences
- Use data to drive equity: Collect and analyze data to identify disparities and inform targeted interventions
- Provide help and resources: Ensure equitable access to health services, support programs, and develop resources for underserved communities
- Embed equity in policies: Integrate racial equity goals into work plans, public health planning, budgeting, and evaluation processes
These partnerships enhance the local public health system’s capacity to provide the Foundational Public Health Services.
Community health needs assessments and community health improvement planning are important elements of voluntary accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Local boards of health are essential contributors to these reports, bringing unique knowledge about their community’s diversity. This also facilitates the development of policies and other strategies that address specific local needs.
Local public health plays a vital role. It can mobilize resources to address local needs, health disparities, and inequities.
Racial and health equity training
OLRH supports local public health by providing resources, training, and support to promote and protect the health of their communities with a focus on racial and health equity.
The Technical Support Program provides timely, high-quality guidance and support to enhance the effectiveness and capacity of local public health.
Training opportunities examine public health issues and practices through a racial and social justice lens, providing practical approaches to addressing existing inequities.
If your municipality or board of health would like further guidance and support in integrating racial and health equity goals into your work plans, email OLRH at localregionalpublichealth@mass.gov to start a conversation.