The University at Buffalo’s Community Health Equity Research Institute recently hosted its third annual Research Day, featuring a focus on initiatives to tackle health disparities in the Buffalo region. One of the key highlights was the announcement of a new county-level effort to address these critical issues.
April N. McCants-Baskin, chair of the Erie County Legislature, introduced a proclamation in recognition of International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. This proclamation was part of the institute’s broader efforts to shine a light on the persistent health disparities faced by minority communities in Western New York.
“Health equity is easily one of the most critical issues affecting the wellbeing and health of our communities today,” said Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, UB’s vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “Here in Western New York, the truth is, is that we don’t have to look very hard to find examples of health inequities and disparities in our communities, environments, and health care systems.”
To help combat these disparities, the Erie County Legislature has established a new Office of Health Equity. This office will have a sole focus on addressing the social determinants of health and developing programs and policies to tackle racial inequities in healthcare. The initiative aims to empower parents and caregivers as they work to protect their children from the harmful effects of issues like lead exposure, which disproportionately impact minority communities in the region.
“Confronting health inequities and disparities cannot be a passive activity,” Brashear added. “And I’m thrilled and inspired to see UB’s Community Health Equity Research Institute continue to take charge of this incredibly important endeavor.”
See “UB’s Work on Lead Poisoning, Other Health Disparities Focus of Community Research Event” (October 23, 2024)