FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 9, 2021
Contact: Maria Mejia, [email protected], 510-763-2444 ext. 108
Bill Sets Path to Eliminate Racial Disparities in Childhood Chronic Health Conditions
Oakland, Calif., – California State Senator Susan Rubio (SD 22 – Baldwin Park) introduced the “Childhood chronic health conditions: racial disparities” bill, that if enacted, will eliminate racial disparities in childhood chronic conditions by 2030.
Senate Bill 682, sponsored by Children Now, will require the California Health and Human Services Agency to establish and implement a plan that outlines the steps the state will take to eliminate racial disparities in chronic children’s health conditions.
“We know that these health disparities exist and that our children and families of color are disproportionately affected,” Sen. Rubio said. “As a legislator with a large minority population, I am proud to work on this piece of legislation that will establish clear plans and goals on how to reduce these health inequities.”
Children of color in California are more likely to suffer and die from preventable or manageable chronic illnesses – for example, asthma and diabetes are by far deadlier for Black kids than for white kids. An investment in chronic disease prevention and management is needed today to reduce economic disparities along racial and ethnic lines, leading to a healthier and more prosperous society.
“We applaud Senator Rubio for authoring this bill that outlines concrete steps to support the well-being of children by eliminating racial disparities in chronic childhood health conditions,” said President of Children Now, Ted Lempert. “California must have a comprehensive strategy to address the systemic barriers that lead to racial inequities in children’s health outcomes. This seminal piece of legislation will bring much-needed attention and accountability to the issue, pushing the State to develop an action plan for improving the health of children statewide.”
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About Children Now
Children Now is a non-partisan, whole-child research, policy development and advocacy organization dedicated to promoting children’s health and education in California. The organization also leads The Children’s Movement of California, a network of over 4,100 direct service, parent, youth, civil rights, faith-based and community groups dedicated to improving children’s well-being.