| | "Telling our stories, first to ourselves and then to one another and the world, is a revolutionary act." - Janet Mock | | | | | | | | Sustainable reimbursement for community health workers: On February 28th and March 9th, public hearings were held for S.B. 991 and S.B. 10, which includes language informed by the CHW coalition, which met for a year to discuss the best path for CHWs and employers. Hospital financial assistance policies: On March 6th and March 16th, public hearings were held for H.B. 6740 and S.B. 1203. Financial assistance policies are relevant to all communities because improved regulations could make financial assistance more accessible and stop unnecessary medical debt from occurring. Doula certification: On February 28th, a public hearing was held on S.B. 986, which would establish a voluntary state certification process. State certification would ensure Doula support can be more effectively compensated and establish a clear standard for who is and is not a doula. HES’ testimony is regularly updated here , where you can also find our policy agenda—interested in a specific policy? Have a question? Please reach out. | | | | | |  | Health Equity Week will be held April 2nd - 8th, 2023. This year will serve as an opportunity to raise awareness about community health workers and doulas for their role in advancing health equity. Click here for more information. | |  | JOIN US FOR A WEEK FULL OF EVENTS! - April 4th: Health Equity 101 Training - Participants will walk away with a greater understanding of health equity, factors that can impact one's overall well-being, and takeaways on how you can support and advance health equity through anti-racist policy and practices.
| |  | April 6th: Community Health Worker Lobby Day - Come & interact with legislators at the Legislative Office Building to raise about CHWs, their role in advancing health equity, & the need for HUSKY Reimbursement. We will also celebrate CHW Day in CT & honor a CHW with the Pat Baker Award for Health Equity Advocacy. | |  | SPONSOR HEALTH EQUITY WEEK Interested in sponsoring Health Equity Week please find the sponsorship package here. If you have any questions contact Shantel Graves at sgraves@hesct.org. Thank you to our current sponsors! | |  | | | | | Other News... - Find everything you need to know about the ending of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, including:
- When it’s ending
- How it may affect your HUSKY/CHIP, SNAP, or cash benefits; and
- What you need to do to make sure your benefits stay active
- Thank you to the Commission on Women, Children, Equity & Opportunity and partners for this year's Women's Informational Forum on "Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Economic Power & Well Being." The forum focused on the progress our state has made on key issues important to the progress of women, and the next steps we hope to see. See pictures of our Interim Director Ayesha Clarke, and other speakers below.
| | | | Join the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative and partners Thursday, March 30th, 5:30-7:30 PM for Better Teeth = Better Health. Learn how to prevent cavities and gum disease, get help accessing dental care, and advocate for better oral health care services for all residents. | |  | | | | | | | Updates From Our Team!... | |  | The HES Advantage is an extension of Health Equity Solutions that offers customizable, equitable consulting, facilitation, and training services to agencies, health care systems, and communities with a race-forward approach. We look forward to supporting your organization or group's needs. For more information, please reach out to Kevin Collins, Director of Training and Outreach, at Kcollins@hesct.org | | | | | | | | | | | | Health Equity Solutions
53 Oak Street | Hartford, Connecticut 06106
860.461.7637 | info@hesct.org | | | | | | | | | | | |
