In Worcester, Massachusetts, Juneteenth is being commemorated as a day that signifies the end of slavery in the United States. The Family Health Center of Worcester is taking this opportunity to raise awareness about the disparities in health equity that affect Black and brown communities, often overlooked by society.
According to CEO Lou Brady, a person’s health is greatly influenced by the zip code they grew up in. The Health Center recognizes the importance of not only making good choices for health, but also having access to those choices in the first place. This is especially evident in Worcester, a community with a diverse population that includes many underserved and marginalized groups.
The Health Center has established a Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee to assist staff in examining their biases and how it may impact the care they provide to patients. To make systemic changes, the Family Health Center has implemented racial equity, diversity, and inclusion training for all employees as part of their on-boarding process. By prioritizing these initiatives, the Health Center is taking steps towards providing more equitable and inclusive healthcare services for all members of the community.
Marlyn Feliciano, a clinical practice coordinator at the Family Health Center, highlights the importance of creating a space for equitable and inclusive care while acknowledging the challenges of providing healthcare on a daily basis. Sierra Estes, a primary care behavioral health provider at the center, emphasizes the ongoing work towards providing care that respects the individual needs of each patient.
