Bill > S0002

This bill establishes the Office of Health Equity within the Department of Health, with the primary goal of eliminating avoidable health disparities among Vermonters. The office will be led by a full-time Executive Director with professional expertise in public health, social justice, or a related field. The bill modifies existing provisions related to racial equity and health equity, removing a previous temporary oversight role from the Executive Director of Racial Equity and instead creating a dedicated Office of Health Equity. The Health Equity Advisory Commission will continue to provide guidance on the office's structure, responsibilities, and jurisdiction, and will advise the office on issues affecting Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities. The office will take a comprehensive approach to addressing social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes, including reviewing policies, identifying systemic limitations, advising on funding decisions, potentially distributing grants, and promoting cultural competency in healthcare. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving time for careful planning and implementation of this new office.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.2