Senator Helmy announces co-sponsorship of bill to address racial disparities in health outcomes
Joins Efforts to Expand Access to Preventative Health Care in Underserved Communities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator George Helmy (D-NJ) Tuesday announced he will co-sponsor the Health Equity Innovation Act of 2024.
Under this bill, a newly established grant program would provide federal funding to faith- and community-based organizations with proven track records of addressing health inequities to serve communities with a lack of health care services. Grants would help cover the cost of providing preventative care – including free or low-cost health screenings, vaccinations, family planning services, and mental health services – hiring community health workers, and expanding capacity.
“The stark contrasts in health outcomes between the Black population and their white counterparts is startling. As one of the premier nations in the world, the racial health disparities in our country are unacceptable,” Helmy said. “The Health Equity Innovation Act of 2024 will ensure underserved communities across our country receive access to preventative health care services. I am honored to join Senators Gillibrand, Butler, and Booker in the fight to protect marginalized communities across the nation who seek basic necessities to lead a safe and healthy life.”
Historically, Black Americans have had a lack of access to quality and affordable health care. The Black population suffers disproportionately from a variety of health conditions, including asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
In New Jersey, Black women are almost seven times more likely than a white mother to die from maternity-related complications, and a Black baby is over three times more likely than a white baby to die before his or her first birthday. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black population in the state, along with the Hispanic population, consistently ranked in the top percentile of hospitalizations and fatalities at each stage of the crisis.
“On behalf of Choose Healthy Life, I am thrilled that Senator Helmy has chosen to co-sponsor the Health Equity Innovation Act of 2024. This bill seeks to provide a lot of support in the area of social determinants of health in communities of color,” said Rev. David Jefferson Sr., Pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church, Newark, NJ. “Senator Helmy’s co-sponsorship of this bill, given the disparities that exist in New Jersey surrounding health equity, will have a tremendous impact and bring a lot of empowerment to families not only in the state but across the nation. On behalf of CHL founder Debra Fraser-Howze and Executive Director Rev. Kimberly L. Williams, I would like to thank Senator Helmy for his support.”
