Health Equity Solutions

Connecticut is one of the wealthiest states in the United States. It has some of the best doctors and hospitals and is the health insurance capital of the world. The state is often heralded as being one of the healthiest states, yet, Connecticut also has some of the greatest health disparities in the US.

As a result of the trauma inflicted by racism and the purposeful disinvestment in their social and economic well-being, people of color live with disproportionately higher rates of chronic disease, maternal and infant death, and chronic stress, all of which lead to a measurable difference in overall life expectancy.

Declaring racism to be a public health crisis offers a clear path to intentionally acknowledging and addressing disparities and inequities. It catalyzes further research and the opportunity to examine current policies and practices for unintentional injustices and recommend changes that dismantle and course-correct systemic racism.

Since the state of Connecticut declared racism a public health crisis in 2021, certified doulas have been included in The Public Health Statutes, the collection of granular race, ethnicity and language data has become required, and testimony for equity-centered policy is being acknowledged.

What is Health Equity?

Health equity ensures that all people have access to optimal health despite their race, ethnicity, culture, or socioeconomic status. Without health equity, residents don’t have the opportunities to be, and stay, healthy. This can have a profound impact. For example, without health equity, children underperform in school and thus fail to reach their potential, businesses see rising healthcare costs and reduced productivity from their employees, and communities and neighborhoods weaken. Connecticut is one of the wealthiest states in the United States. It has some of the best doctors and hospitals and is the health insurance capital of the world. The state is often heralded as being one of the healthiest states, yet, Connecticut also has some of the greatest health disparities in the US. 

Who are we?

Health Equity Solutions started in 2014 after the Connecticut Health Foundation completed a commissioned landscape analysis related to health equity efforts in Connecticut. It was determined that while several organizations had advocacy and/or health equity as a component of their work, there was no single organization working on advancing health equity through policy and advocacy initiatives in the state. Thus, HES was brought to life with Connecticut Legal Services as its fiscal sponsor and was established with seven prominent leaders as members of the board.

What do we do?

HES initiates and catalyzes policy programs and practices that advance and sustain health equity in Connecticut. Our model is simple and straightforward:

• Identify what works: source the best policy and programmatic solutions within Connecticut as well as nationwide; conduct policy analyses and research to educate, as well as inform; engage diverse partners to identify solutions.


• Shape solutions for maximum impact: shape and influence policies and regulations; monitor the implementation of legislation; provide regulatory feedback.


• Accelerate their adoption: convene public forums; implement campaigns and other messaging; engage in media advocacy; actively participate on related coalitions and committees.

Our Vision: For every Connecticut resident to attain optimal health regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

Our Mission: To advance health equity through anti-racist policies and practices.