About Us

Multnomah County is committed to improving health for all Multnomah County residents by addressing the social conditions in which people live and work. Launched in June 2007, the Health Equity Initiative is a county-wide effort focusing on health inequities, headed by Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler and Multnomah County Health Department. It also collaborates with local organizations to support policy change and monitor results. The initial work will be completed in June 2009.

Goals:

to create a common understanding of the causes of and solutions to health inequities, with a focus on justice and equity.
to raise the visibility of current disparities elimination efforts of community-based organizations and county departments.
to explore and advance policy solutions to address health inequities.

Video

More about the Health Equity Initiative (10 minutes).

Meet the Health Equity Initiative Team

Comprised of public officials, scientists, policy analysts and public health practitioners, the Health Equity Initiative Team works to communicate key messages and recommendations in policy arenas. It also mobilizes financial and human resources, and political support.

	Ted Wheeler mult.chair@co.multnomah.or.us Multnomah County Chair
	Lolenzo Poe lolenzo.t.poe@co.multnomah.or.us Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Chair
	Lillian Shirley lillian.m.shirley@co.multnomah.or.us Director, Multnomah County Health Department
Health Equity Initiative Staff
	Angie Thompson angie.thompson@co.multnomah.or.us Program Coordinator

Unnatural Causes Documentary

Mom with premature baby, which weighs two pounds. African American moms are twice as likely as white moms to deliver pre-term, low-weight babies. But African immigrant mothers aren’t. More»

Contact Us

Health Equity Initiative
503-988-3030 ext. 22068
health.equity@co.multnomah.or.us