Longstanding structural racism and related health inequities experienced by people of color further laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic have mobilized leadership in many states to take action on health equity. Structural racism across and within systems and institutions in the United States has caused disproportionate health risks and poorer health for people and communities of color. Structural racism has further impeded people of color from accessing resources and opportunities, including home ownership, asset accumulation, employment, educational attainment, affordable and healthy foods, and clean air and water, all of which exacerbate these heightened health risks.

Originally published in Prepared for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s State Health and Value Strategies program.