The Disparities Action Network (DAN) is a statewide coalition of advocates, researchers, providers and institutions who are working to reduce health disparities in the Commonwealth through legislative advocacy and education. Founded at Health Care For All in 2006, the DAN represents over 60 statewide organizations focused on addressing the complex issues that underlie health inequality.

The DAN works in coalition to:

  • Develop, promote, and implement policies that reduce racial and ethnic health disparities
  • Increase knowledge and support for health equity policy among decision makers
  • Educate media and public audiences about the root causes of racial and ethnic health disparities
  • Connect diverse community members to policy making and advocacy activities

DAN membership is open to organizations who are interested in contributing to the DAN’s legislative advocacy efforts.

To view Disparities Action Network (DAN) Members, click here

Health Disparities Priorities

(2009-2010 DAN Legislative Priorities0

S.810 An Act to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities in the Commonwealth
Lead Sponsors: Senator Susan Fargo and Representative Byron Rushing
This legislation makes permanent, the Executive level Office of Health Equity. The Office was first created in the FY09 budget to lead a statewide health disparities elimination agenda. The Office works across relevant secretariats to develop interagency disparities reduction strategies, evaluate and replicate effective interventions, and develop an annual state health disparities report card. The legislation also proposes creation of a statewide grant program to support community based agencies to address disparities.
S.810 is currently before the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
• View the S.810 Fact Sheet (.pdf)

Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Priorities

• Inclusion of the Office of Health Equity in the Executive Office of Health and Human Services
• Protection of Public Health Programs including restoration of the DPH Disparities Grant Program
• Full restoration of Commonwealth Care for special status immigrants

Hospital and Community Connections

The Massachusetts Attorney General issues Community Benefits Guidelines for non-profit acute care hospitals and health maintenance organizations, providing a framework for hospitals and HMOs to work with local communities and allocate resources to improve community health outcomes. Updated in 2009, key components of the current guidelines include:
• statewide health priorities including the reduction of health disparities
• standardized reporting processes and formats
• community planning and engagement objectives
• requirements for program goals and outcomes measurement
Health Care For All is currently working to establish greater dialogue between local hospitals and communities about using Community Benefits approaches to reduce health disparities and address community needs. HCFA is also reviewing Annual Reports filed by Hospitals and HMOs, to identify best practices and model policies for hospital and community connections.

Hospital and Community Connections News:
• Commonwealth News Service, June 18, 2010 : Health Reform Means New Rules for Hospitals – MA is Ahead of the Game