Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Convenes Inaugural Meeting for the First State Interagency Health Equity Team in the Nation

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy has convened the inaugural meeting for the Pennsylvania Interagency Health Equity Team, the first state-led effort of its kind in the United States.

"Health equity is achieved when all people have full and equal access to opportunities that enable them to lead healthy lives," Secretary Murphy said. "The Wolf Administration is dedicated to ensuring access to quality health care for every Pennsylvanian, no matter their age, race, religion, background or where they live. This group of dedicated professionals will work together to move that mission forward."

The Pennsylvania Interagency Health Equity Team is an ensemble of statewide agencies which will address health equity issues through strategic partnerships and idea sharing. The team is modeled after the Federal Interagency Health Equity Team and will meet on a monthly basis to develop their goals and outreach implementation.

The following state agencies are represented on the team:

• Department of Human Services
• Department of Environmental Protection
• Department of Labor and Industry
• Department of Corrections
• Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs
• Department of Agriculture
• Department of Transportation
• Department of Education
• Department of Community and Economic Development
• Department of Aging
• Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

The Department of Health's Office of Health Equity was instrumental in assembling this team. The office works with policymakers, insurers, health care providers and communities to implement policies and programs that result in improved health status for underserved and disparate populations.

To learn more about the commonwealth's efforts to improve the services and resources available for all Pennsylvanians, go to www.health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT: April Hutcheson, 717-787-1783 or [email protected]

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us