Connecticut Health Foundation President & CEO Patricia Baker (third from right) was among many representatives of state organizations and government officials who joined Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell (seated) as she signed legislation June 12th creating a Commission on Health Equity.
The bill establishes a 32-member commission within the Office of the Health Care Advocate, which will:
- Eliminate disparities in health status based on race, ethnicity and linguistic ability
- Improve the quality of health for all state residents
The state conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) played a major role in making this bill a reality. The NAACP’s efforts were supported by a grant from the Connecticut Health Foundation, whose priority areas include decreasing racial and ethnic health disparities.
In addition to Baker, others present at the signing were, from left: Teresa Younger, executive director, Permanent Commission on the Status of Women; Cheryl Harris Forbes, public affairs/special projects coordinator, African American Affairs Commission; Rep. Donald Clemons (D – Bridgeport); Sen. Gayle Slossberg (D – Milford); Jim Rawlins, president, Greater New Haven Branch, NAACP; Scott X. Esdaile, president, Connecticut State Conference of NAACP Branches; Walter Bailey, photographer, Connecticut State Conference of NAACP Branches; Fernando Betancourt, executive d irector, Latino & Puerto Rican Affairs Commission.