Paving the Way to Health Equity: Learning from California State Government

Inequitable access to health care has caused measurable harm to many Californians, in particular to Black, Latino/x, and other racial/ethnic communities, as well as to the LGBTQ and disability communities. Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial justice protests fueled by the killing of George Floyd and many others, the state of California renewed its commitment to addressing long-standing racial inequities and to advancing health equity.

This issue brief provides an overview of health equity programs and activities being conducted through California state agencies and departments, as well as through the legislature and the governor’s office. It is based on research by the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network.

Although equity activities have increased at the state level, this issue brief concludes that significant opportunities exist for greater alignment, improvement, and engagement.