Dear Friend, Health Equity Solutions' mission - to advance health equity through anti-racist policies and practices - isn’t just professional for me, it’s deeply personal. Every day, I think of the families in our state who are forced to make impossible choices between their health and their financial stability. I think of the parents who worry if their children will have the opportunities they deserve or the seniors who wonder if they’ll have access to the care they need. These stories fuel my drive and the work of everyone at HES. Since HES' inception in 2014, we’ve been unwavering in our mission to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate health disparities. We understand that racism—historic and ongoing—is one of the most significant drivers of inequity in health. These systemic injustices have led to persistent gaps in access, quality, and outcomes, disproportionately affecting Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, and other communities of color. This reality is unacceptable, but it is not insurmountable. Over the years, I’ve been humbled and inspired by what we’ve accomplished together. We’ve challenged outdated policies, amplified the voices of those most affected, and driven real change. But the work is far from over. The results of the 2024 elections have reminded us just how crucial our fight remains. At HES, we are doubling down on our commitment to advocate for anti-racist policies, dismantle barriers, and promote solutions that eliminate health disparities in Connecticut and beyond. To accomplish our agenda, we need a robust network of friends and supporters. Your support isn’t just a donation—it’s a statement of belief in a healthier, more equitable future for ALL. It’s an acknowledgment that we’re all in this together, and when we support one another, we create the kind of world we want to live in. In this season of giving, I’m asking you to join me in this fight. Together, we can build a Connecticut where everyone—no matter their race, ethnicity, or background—has the opportunity to thrive in good health. Please give today and help us make health equity not just a goal, but a reality. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s continue to push this critically important work forward together. Yours in friendship and justice,  Ayesha R. Clarke, Executive Director | 
