Gillibrand Addressing Racial Disparities In Health Care

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) recently announced the introduction of the Health Access Innovation Act, legislation to fight racial disparities in health outcomes by expanding access to preventative health care in underserved communities. The bill would establish a new grant program to provide federal funding to faith- and community-based organizations located in medically underserved areas. 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. Gillibrand is calling for $50 million for this program to be included in the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bill. Representative Nikema Williams (D-GA-05) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Far too many New Yorkers are unable to access the health care they need,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Trusted community and faith-based organizations play a vital role in helping to fill these gaps, providing the services that build healthier communities and helping to address racial disparities in health outcomes. I am proud to lead the Health Access Innovation Act to ensure these institutions have the resources they need to continue doing this critical work.”

Social determinants of health drive inequities in health outcomes seen across racial and ethnic groups. A lack of access to high-quality health care has long fueled health disparities affecting Black Americans. Black Americans are disproportionately affected by conditions like asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Black women are over three times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related complications, and Black infants face the highest mortality rate of any group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Black individuals were hospitalized and died at significantly higher rates than white Americans. To help address these persistent health inequities and chronic disease challenges, it is vital to expand access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care to meet diverse communities’ needs.