The Health Justice and Policy Institute is dedicated to addressing and mitigating the impacts of historical, political, and social determinants of health. The institute aims to create equitable health outcomes by focusing on systemic changes and advocating for policies that address the root causes of health disparities.

2024-2026 Public Policy Priority Areas

Housing Access

Ohio Housing Trust Fund: Increasing funding to support affordable housing projects and rental assistance programs.

Anti-discrimination enforcement: Strengthening enforcement of Ohio's Fair Housing Act to prevent discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and gender.

Reproductive Justice

Comprehensive reproductive health care: Ensuring access to contraception, abortion services, and maternal health care through state-funded programs.

Culturally competent care: Implementing training programs for Ohio healthcare providers to offer culturally sensitive and unbiased care.

Equitable and Inclusive Health Care for All

Medicaid expansion: Continuing to support and expand Medicaid to cover more low-income individuals and families.

Bias training: Mandating bias training for healthcare providers across Ohio to reduce racial and gender disparities in medical treatment.

Workforce Development and Wage Equity

Equal pay legislation: Enforcing Ohio's equal pay laws to ensure fair wages for all, regardless of gender or race.

Job training programs: Funding state-specific job training and career advancement programs for women of color.

Expanded Mental Health Coverage

Insurance coverage: Expanding Ohio's Medicaid to include comprehensive mental health services.

Community-based services: Increasing funding for community mental health programs that provide culturally sensitive care in Ohio.

Transportation Access

Public transportation funding: Increasing investment in Ohio's public transportation infrastructure to improve access to essential services.

Subsidized transportation: Providing subsidized transportation options for low-income individuals in Ohio.

Eliminating Systemic Violence

Violence prevention programs: Funding Ohio-specific programs that address domestic violence, sexual assault, and police violence.

Legal reforms: Advocating for legal reforms in Ohio to protect women from violence and ensure justice for victims.

Enhancing Food Justice

Food assistance programs: Expanding programs like Ohio's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to ensure access to nutritious food.

Community gardens: Supporting community-based food systems and urban agriculture initiatives in Ohio.

These policies aim to address the systemic issues that contribute to health disparities and promote equitable outcomes for all women in Ohio.