This partnership was initially formed in 2020 as the COVID-19 Health Equity Taskforce to deeply review the systemic racial and other inequities that inflict our healthcare system and were intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of 2023, the Task Force evolved to examine health inequities more broadly, including those related to other infectious disease.
In order to address these systemic barriers, the Task Force calls to elevate equity-focused solutions in response to short and long-term needs. It will leverage resources to address systemic barriers to health equity and provide access for all, through a cross-sectoral partnership.
The Health Equity Task Force is committed to supporting all communities of color. However, it is important to note that the data specifically highlights increased impact in Black and Latino populations; therefore, these communities are the group's primary focus.
Based off the Task Force's overall goals previously listed, four working groups emerged; each of the working groups are led in partnership by Health and Human Services, community leaders and UMMHC leaders. Each group is listed below with their statement of purpose and goals.
Statement of Purpose:
Identify and assess barriers to access equitable health care; propose solutions and action steps that can mitigate these challenges to better support communities of color in Worcester with their healthcare.
Goals:
Statement of Purpose:
To identify, reduce and eliminate racial health inequities or disparities in the Worcester, Massachusetts community, specifically communities of color, by collecting and providing analysis using valid race, ethnicity, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and social determinants of health data.
Goals:
Statement of Purpose:
Identify, reduce and eliminate health disparities to effectively address prevention and treatment in the Worcester, Massachusetts community by providing materials, tools and resources to promote the adoption of preventative measures.
Goals:
Statement of Purpose:
Evaluate and revise current testing criteria and strategy based on demographic and geographic data to develop equitable testing strategy for Black and Latino communities, who have the highest impact, including who gets tested when, where, how and by whom; Stabilize supply chain to match testing strategy.
Goals:
The Task Force is comprised of a diverse and representative group of over 56 leaders from all segments of the community and the health care system. Those leaders represent 22 different organizations and agencies listed below.
Health & Human Services
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455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: 508-799-8486
Fax: 508-799-1218
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