This resolution would designate April 7th through 11th, 2025 as “Health Equity Week” in Pennsylvania.

Disparities in health and health care remain a persistent challenge in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic’s uneven impact on underserved communities drew increased attention to inequities in health and health care, which have been documented for decades and reflect longstanding structural and systemic inequities rooted in historical and ongoing racism and discrimination.

Health Equity Week in Pennsylvania is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting actions aimed at achieving health equity for all individuals, regardless of their age; race; socioeconomic status; gender, sexual orientation or identity; disability; or geographic location. It is important that we all recognize and discuss the disparities in healthcare access, outcomes, and opportunities. It is important to highlight issues like systemic racism, economic inequality, and other social determinants of health, and advocate for policies and practices that promote fairness in healthcare systems.

The purpose of this resolution is to engage communities, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public in conversations about the need for reforms and better access to care for underserved populations.

Please join me in working to raise awareness of health inequities across Pennsylvania by co-sponsoring this legislation.