MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (Dec. 20, 2023) – Minnesota’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Brooke Cunningham, today appointed 20 members to serve on the newly established Equitable Health Care Task Force. The task force members represent communities that experience health disparities as well as health insurance and health care providers, including Dr. Marc Gorelick, president and CEO of Children’s Minnesota.
“Year after year, the data show Minnesota is one of the healthiest states with some of the worst health disparities,” Commissioner Cunningham said in a press release. “One of my primary goals as commissioner is to make sure all Minnesotans have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. This task force is a critical component of our work, and I could not be more proud of the quality and level of expertise represented among these members.”
The Minnesota Legislature created the Equitable Health Care Task Force during the 2023 legislative session to examine inequities in how people experience health care based on race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, age and disability. It will identify strategies that ensure all Minnesotans receive care and coverage that is respectful and delivers optimal health outcomes.
“As health care providers, it is our responsibility to ensure all patients and families feel respected and supported, and receive the best care possible,” said Dr. Gorelick. “I’m eager to join other task force members in finding ways to make health care in our state more equitable, so that all Minnesotans can thrive.”
“Thank you to Dr. Cunningham for seeing the value in bringing Dr. Gorelick’s perspective on health equity to this task force,” said James Burroughs, senior vice president, government and community relations, chief equity and inclusion officer at Children’s Minnesota. “Dr. Gorelick has been instrumental in Children’s Minnesota’s efforts to make health care more equitable and accessible for the kids and families in our community.”
To learn about all the members of the task force, visit the Equitable Health Care Task Force website.
The first meeting of the task force is Jan. 17, 2024, and will be open to the public.
