Representative Shelia Stubbs Introduces Bill to Support Minority Health Grants to Community Organizations

Madison, WI –Today, Representative Shelia Stubbs introduced LRB-0826/1, which aims to reduce the racial disparities in health outcomes by providing annual grants to organizations that work to improve the health status of economically disadvantaged minority group members. Representative Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison) released the following statement:

“Research has shown that Wisconsin has some of the worst racial disparities for health outcomes in the nation. These disparities can be seen in minority populations from the beginning to the end of a person’s life. At every income level, African Americans are less likely to receive preventative care and more likely to receive lower-quality care, which results in later diagnoses and worse health outcomes for many members of our community.

High-quality and culturally responsive preventative care lowers disease risk, promotes early detection of health issues, and supports longer, healthier lives for members of our community, but many Wisconsinites still face barriers to accessing care. Providing funding to organizations that work within the community to improve health outcomes ensures care that is accessible to all.

LRB-0826/1 aims to reduce the racial disparities in health outcomes by providing annual grants to organizations that work to improve the health status of economically disadvantaged minority group members. The Department of Health Services currently awards up to $50,000 annually per qualified applicant. This bill requires applicants providing maternal and child health services, in addition to applicants that are not a federally qualified health center, to receive priority for these grants.

The overall health of our communities depends on the health of our most vulnerable. As we prepare to celebrate Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we must continue to work for policy changes that reduce disparities and promote the health of marginalized communities. This bill will ensure that programs providing critical preventative health and wellness services to communities of color have the best possible chance of receiving funding for their essential work.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.