Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities - The States as Catalyst for Change

Despite efforts to bring attention to racial and ethnic health disparities, few concrete steps have been taken to narrow this gap, especially at the state level where key health policy is determined and where vital programs such as Medicaid and public health initiatives are run. The nature of the problem is clear, as are the devastating consequences to individuals and to society.

This project, a partnership with Brandeis University funded by the Commonwealth Fund, explores why more concerted action is not being taken at the state level, and identifies and develops policies that can be championed, enacted and implemented by state policy makers. A broad-based National Advisory Panel has identified critical issues and commissioned papers. A diverse set of authors has offered new ways to conceptualize the problem, and has developed and submitted to the Commonwealth Fund a State Policy Agenda, policy solutions to generate enthusiasm and promote change at the state level.

Papers are being published and disseminated through conferences and peer reviewed journals. A final report to the Commonwealth Fund will identify next steps to facilitate implementation of the project's recommendations.