The Office of Health Equity (OHE), within the Department of Health, was created through Executive Order 2007-04. The office is part of the Office of Operational Excellence.
The role of the OHE is to lead and coordinate initiatives to:
- Raise awareness about health disparities in Pennsylvania.
- Advocate for policies and programs that improve the quality of life.
- Collaborate with partners to implement effective strategies to reduce the gaps in health outcomes across different communities.
- Improve health outcomes for underserved and disparate populations.
By working with Department of Health programs, state agencies, academic institutions, community organizations, and health care providers, we can create a healthy Pennsylvania for all.
What is Health Equity?
‘Health equity’ or ‘equity in health’ is when everyone has a fair chance to be as healthy as possible. No one should be held back from being as healthy as possible because of unfair or avoidable reasons such as social, economic, demographic, or geographic factors. To achieve health equity, we must value all people and groups, resolve injustices, and provide resources that address people’s needs.
Please contact David Saunders, Director of the Office of Health Equity at 717-547-3315 or davidsaund@pa.gov.