About the Health Commission

Where we live, work, and play shapes our health and well-being. It’s common to think about individual behavior, genes, and health care access as most important for good health. In actuality, factors such as housing, education, environmental exposure, public safety, employment, and income are strong predictors of health and well-being. It is important to understand how experiences within the individual and community context differ by race. In the United States, racism plays a significant role in creating and perpetuating health inequities. 

Social inequities have origins in discriminatory laws, policies, and practices. Historically these have denied people of color the right to earn income, own property, and accumulate wealth. Health resources are unevenly distributed across the city of Boston. The distribution follows patterns of racial segregation and poverty concentration. As a result, white Boston residents enjoy better health on average than residents of color. These differences in health outcomes between residents of color and white residents are systemic, avoidable, unfair, and unjust.  

Other forms of oppression also contribute to different health outcomes. We must understand and address the many factors shaping our individual and collective health. We must provide all residents with fair access to the conditions that promote the best possible health.

Equity:

• Equitable redistribution of resources
• Challenge multiple forms of oppression

Transparency:

• Transparent communication practices
• Use best available data to inform decision-making

Anti-Racism:

• Commit to anti-racism as an action
• Value and support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

At BPHC, community input is important to us. We want you to know how your input informs our decision-making.