N.Y. Public Health Law § 241*2: Office of health equity created

* § 241. Office of health equity created. There is hereby created an

office of health equity within the state department of health. Such

office shall:

1. Work collaboratively with other state agencies and affected

stakeholders, including providers and representatives of underserved

populations, in order to set priorities, collect and disseminate data,

and align resources within the department and across other state

agencies. The office shall also conduct health promotion and educational

outreach, as well as develop and implement interventions aimed at

achieving health equity among underserved populations by implementing

strategies to address the varying complex causes of health disparities,

including the economic, physical, and social environments.

2. Integrate and coordinate selected state health care grant and loan

programs established specifically for promoting health equity in New

York state. As part of this function, the office shall develop a

coordinated application process for use by providers, municipalities and

others in seeking funds and/or technical assistance on pertinent

programs and services targeted to address health equity among

underserved populations.

3. Apply for grants, and accept gifts from private and public sources

for research to improve and enhance health equity. The office shall also

promote health equity research in universities and colleges.

4. Together with the health equity council, serve as liaison and

advocate for the department on health equity matters. This function

shall include the provision of staff support to the health equity

council and the establishment of appropriate program linkages with

related federal, state, and local agencies and programs such as the

office of health equity of the public health service, the agricultural

extension service and migrant health services.

5. Assist medical schools and state agencies to develop comprehensive

programs to improve the diversity of health personnel workforce by

promoting health equity clinical training and curriculum improvement,

and disseminating health career information to high school and college

students.

6. Promote community strategic planning to address the complex causes

of health disparities, including the social determinants of health and

health care delivery systems and networks, in order to improve health

equity. Strategic network planning and development may include such

considerations as healthful foods, quality housing, economic

opportunity, social relationships, transportation, and education, as

well as health care systems, including associated personnel, capital

facilities, reimbursement, primary care, long-term care, acute care,

rehabilitative, preventive, and related services on the health

continuum.

7. Review the impact of programs, regulations, and policies on health

equity.

* NB There are 2 § 241's