Resources > Successful Programs > BPHC Task Force on Disparities
Last Updated: December 10, 2003
Name of Organization/Institution: Boston Public Health Commission – Mayor’s Task Force on Eliminating Racial Disparities in Health
Keywords: Hospitals, Municipalities
Description of best practice: The Mayor’s Task Force on Eliminating Racial Disparities in Health creates a forum for health sector leaders to develop a blueprint for addressing racial disparities in health. The participation on the task force (chaired by the mayor) is hospital CEOs, health center CEOs, community coalition co-chairs, academic institution deans, health plan CEOs and business representatives.
This program works well because it allows for a system wide approach to: 1) improve understanding the factors contributing to racial disparities, 2) create policies that can change institutional practices at health care institutions, 3) standardize approaches to collecting and analyzing data.
This is a reorganization project and it is based on a philosophy of how to change how an organization fundamentally works. We sponsor multiple trainings for the staff on racism and it effects.
The City of Boston is currently over sampling using the new modules added to the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to collect data on peoples’ views of racism. The Mayor’s Task Force on Eliminating Racial Disparities in Health has created a tool to measure cultural competence. Currently the measure is being tested at three health centers and should be available to all for use in March 2004 with tools for how to administer and how the results can be used.
These initiatives are funded by the federal government, along with city of Boston and private grants.
Relevant Materials (click to open a new window):
- Boston Mayor’s Report on Disparities (PDF)
- The Health of Black Residents in Boston (PDF)
- Public Health Puzzle: Social Determinants of Health
- Overview of the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System
- Training Guide for the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System
- Why the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System is important
Home | About Us | News and Events | Resources