Health Equity Compact

The disproportionate impact on Black and Latinx communities in the COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the urgency of why we must transform the Massachusetts healthcare system to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, and work towards health equity for all. Despite Massachusetts’ reputation as a leader in health reform, boasting the highest highest rate of health insurance in the country, and housing world-class healthcare institutions, not all Massachusetts residents have the fair opportunity to live a healthy life. While Massachusetts has made strides in tackling racial and ethnic health disparities, these disparities persist today. 

At the forefront of driving systemic change towards health equity in Massachusetts is the Health Equity Compact ("the Compact"). Comprising over 80 leaders of color, the Compact unites to champion breakthrough change for health equity across the state. Compact members are high-level executives and experts from a diverse set of health, business, labor, and philanthropic organizations, including hospitals, health centers, payers, academic institutions, and public health. The Compact's mission is to realize bold statewide policy and institutional practice changes that center racial justice and health equity. 

In working towards racial justice and health equity, the Compact spearheaded the filing of the omnibus bill An Act to Advance Health Equity. They continue to mobilize for the bill and other health equity-related reform throughout Massachusetts, engaging with many stakeholders including state agencies, consumer advocacy groups, business groups, the greater community, and others. Additionally, the Compact convened its inaugural Health Equity Trends Summit in June 2023, bringing together leaders and advocates dedicated to advancing health equity. Furthermore, they have collaborated with local organizations in Massachusetts to conduct research, including projects such as the Economic Cost of Inequities with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Massachusetts and the public opinion poll on health equity with MassINC. 

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. provides technical support to the Health Equity Compact through project management, onboarding of new Compact members, facilitation of member meetings and Compact Member Workgroups, policy development, advocacy, strategic planning, organizational development, communications and event support.