 | | | Friend, welcome to Health Equity Solutions' monthly newsletter! | | Save the Dates: Health Equity Week (April 5 - April 11) 2026! Health Equity Week 2026 is almost here! From April 5–11, 2026, Health Equity Solutions will convene advocates, community leaders, healthcare partners, and policymakers from across Connecticut for our 8th annual Health Equity Week, held during the first full week of April and nationally recognized as a time to advance health justice. This year’s theme, Illuminating the Path to Equity, reflects our commitment to shining a light on the systemic barriers that drive health inequities and uplifting the people, policies, and solutions that move us toward justice. Building on the momentum of 2025, Health Equity Week 2026 will feature Community Day, Advocacy Day at the Capitol, press engagement, and opportunities for learning, action, and collective impact. | |  | | | | | Become a Sponsor of Health Equity Week 2026!  | | | | | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | | Advocates Call for Investment in Community Health Workers We are grateful to everyone who testified in support of funding for Community Health Workers (CHWs) and underscored the urgent need for affordable, high-quality health care. Testimonies highlighted the essential role CHWs play in connecting communities to care, addressing social drivers of health, and advancing health equity across our state. Together, advocates, community members, and partners lifted up a shared message: investing in CHWs is an investment in healthier communities and a more equitable health care system. We thank all who spoke out and continue to champion policies that ensure access, quality, and affordability for all. | | | | | | | | Advocacy Groups Come Together to Launch New Campaign HES has joined other Connecticut advocacy groups to launch the Health Justice Now campaign. We're urging lawmakers to advance health care reforms as federal Medicaid cuts threaten coverage for thousands. This campaign calls for action on medical debt, affordability, and expanded access to care. Click the links below to learn more. | | | | | | | | | | Hartford Residents Begin CARE Health Leaders Fellowship Last month, residents from Hartford came together to begin a powerful journey focused on health equity, leadership, and community-driven change through the Care Health Leaders Program, a paid 9-month fellowship designed to build community leadership capacity. Fellows will develop skills in advocacy, understanding the social drivers of health, project planning, and leadership development. Working in small groups, participants will design and implement grassroots projects that address real health challenges in their neighborhoods, while engaging with community partners and policy leaders. The program centers lived experience and equips residents with the tools and confidence to advance equitable solutions rooted in community priorities. | | | | | | | | Become a Health Equity Ambassador in 2026 Are you ready to take action toward anti-racist policies and community health equity in Connecticut? The Health Equity Ambassador Program is seeking passionate individuals who want to develop hands-on skills in community organizing, policy advocacy and mobilizing neighbors for change. Program includes: weekly training, a stipend, food and interpretation services. Applications are open now — please apply by your county’s deadline to join a regional cohort. -
Greater Hartford County: 12/08/2025: CLOSED -
Greater Fairfield County: 1/05/2026: CLOSED -
Greater New Haven County: 2/02/2026 : CLOSED - Greater Middlesex County: 3/02/2026
| | | | | | Kally Moquete Honored by the City of Hartford We’re proud to celebrate our Senior Manager of Policy & Advocacy, Kally Moquete, Esq., LMSW, who was honored by the City of Hartford at the “Honoring Our Own” Black History Month Celebration! Kally’s dedication to advancing health equity and uplifting our community inspires us every day. Thank you to City Council President & Majority Leader T.J. Clarke II and committee members for recognizing the impact of Kally and other leaders who are driving positive change in Connecticut. Together, we’re building a healthier, more equitable future for all. | | | | | | | | Forum Explores the Impact of Hospital Consolidation on Health Disparities On January 29, our Executive Director, Ayesha R. Clarke spoke at the Hospital Consolidation Forum, cohosted by Attorney General William Tong and Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney. The forum convened leaders from academia, health care systems, policy, and state government to examine how health care consolidation affects health disparities across Connecticut. The goal of the convening was to educate legislators, advocates, and stakeholders while facilitating a meaningful dialogue on the implications of consolidation for access, affordability, and equity. Through expert insights and cross-sector discussion, participants explored potential policy solutions aimed at protecting communities and advancing health equity. | | | | | | | | Engaging Medicaid Enrollees in a New Era of Work Reporting Requirements On February 19, State Health and Value Strategies hosted a national webinar on communicating new Medicaid work reporting requirements under H.R.1—a major federal shift with significant implications for coverage access and retention. The webinar reached 475 participants from 48 U.S. states and territories, highlighting the widespread need for clear, effective, and equitable outreach strategies as states prepare for implementation. During the session, Karen Siegel, Deputy Director at Health Equity Solutions, presented recommendations from the Engaging Enrollees in Medicaid Work Reporting Requirements Implementation toolkit, emphasizing the importance of involving Medicaid enrollees directly in communications planning and message development. | | | | | | | | | | We love to highlight the work of our partners and interesting events in the health equity neighborhood. Have content to contribute? Fill out this form. We're eager to learn about what you're working on. Know someone who might be interested in receiving our newsletter? Share this subscription link! | | | | Macro Social Workers Career Panel - March 11 Are you passionate about driving real change in policy, advocacy, or systems-level work? Join the NASW Connecticut Chapter, including our Director of Social Enterprise, Taylor Tucker on March 11 (5:00–6:30 PM) for their Macro Social Workers Career Panel! Hear from inspiring leaders in justice, health equity, organizing, and government as they share their career journeys, lessons learned, and actionable advice. Connect, grow your network, and earn 1.5 CEUs! Don’t miss this chance to shape your future. | | | | | | | | Community Health Worker (CHW) Core Competency Training - Multiple Dates Southwestern AHEC is offering a 90-hour Community Health Worker (CHW) Core Competency Training designed to strengthen CHWs’ skills in public health, social determinants of health, health equity, and client-centered service delivery. This in-person training runs January 29–March 6, 2026 and April 16–May 22, 2026 in Shelton, CT, and prepares participants for CHW certification and upcoming Medicaid reimbursement opportunities in Connecticut. | | | | | | | | The Broker Academy - Multiple Dates The Broker Academy provides free training for selected students to become licensed brokers and covers the costs of their licensing exam. The Program aims to help reduce health disparities and uninsured rates by embedding a network of trusted healthcare coverage advisors in Connecticut’s traditionally hardest-to-reach communities. To apply for the program, candidates must meet the following requirements: - 18 years or older
- High school diploma or GED
- 1-3 recommendation letters
- Community service experience
Preference will be given to applicants who reside or work in underserved areas. | | | | | | | | | | | | Stay informed about the latest developments in health equity, social determinants of health, racial justice, and more! Every week, we feature relevant news articles and reports on our social media. Check out a few highlights below: | | - Opinion: Community health workers deserve their promised reimbursement: Connecticut’s community health workers are the backbone of equitable care, yet they’re still waiting for the Medicaid reimbursement they were promised over two years ago. These dedicated professionals deserve real investment—not just words—so every neighborhood can access the care it needs to thrive. Let’s urge lawmakers to act now and honor their commitment! Read the full story, HERE.
- Opinion: How HR1 deepens racial inequities: A recent CT Mirror opinion by Health Equity Solutions’ Executive Director Ayesha R. Clarke explains how new Medicaid reporting requirements under HR1 could push eligible people out of coverage and deepen racial health inequities. The piece calls on Connecticut leaders to reduce administrative barriers and protect access to care for communities most impacted. Read the full story, HERE.
- In Bridgeport’s public housing, residents work to rebuild their neighborhoods: The impressive work of one of our partners from the Health Equity for the People by the People (HEPxP) coalition was featured in this article highlighting how residents are pushing for greater accountability and investment, showing how community-driven efforts can play a critical role in shaping the future of public housing.Read the full story, HERE.
| | | | | | | | Health Equity Solutions
53 Oak Street | Hartford, Connecticut 06106
860.461.7637 | info@hesct.org | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
