The Health Disparities Student Collaborative (HDSC) is a group of students from various institutions and backgrounds, committed to building partnerships between schools and communities in Massachusetts aimed at addressing local health disparities.

The HDSC is led by a central Leadership Committee that meets reguarly to plan, support and publicize university-community collaborations, events and activities. The Leadership Committee also coordinates an active email listserv that allows members and supporters to keep eachother attuned to important issues and opportunities. The HDSC is overseen by Critical MASS, a statewide, public-private coalition focused on eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities and promoting grassroots action at the local, regional and state levels.

History
Born out of the Health Disparities and Higher Education Symposium in November 2007, the HDSC was founded by students who are alarmed that, despite its prestigious reputation as a hot-bed of cutting-edge medical training, treatment and research, Massachusetts is home to some of the most serious and shocking health disparities - particularly those affecting racial and ethnic minorities. Driven by a sense of responsibility and community, these students believe in utilizing the tremendous academic institutions and resources in Massachusetts, in order to work with communities to close this gap.