Author: HEC admin
06/11/25 Pride Month: A Call to Advance Health Equity for LGBTQ+ Communities
Every June, communities across the country celebrate Pride Month — honoring the resilience, contributions, and humanity of LGBTQ+ individuals. But as rainbow flags fill public spaces, it’s critical to recognize that visibility alone does not equate to equity. For millions of LGBTQ+ people in the United...
05/22/25 The 340B Program’s Uneven Expansion: A Health Equity Crisis?
Today, the Health Equity Collaborative released a new report highlighting the rapid growth of the 340B Drug Pricing Program over the past several decades. The 340B Drug Pricing Program was established to be a lifeline for safety-net healthcare providers serving our nation's most vulnerable populations....
04/14/25 During Autism Awareness Month, Let’s Focus on Funding Research
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the leading diagnoses in children in America today affecting approximately one in every thirty-six children. ASD generally presents itself before the age of three in children and is diagnosed four times as much in boys than girls. This is particularly concerning when...
03/27/25 Congress Can Protect Healthcare Access and Equity by Passing the EPIC Act
Pills and tablets (aka small-molecule medicines) have long been the backbone of accessible, affordable treatment -- especially for underserved communities. These medicines treat everything from cancer to heart disease and Alzheimer's without requiring hospital visits, infusions, or time off work. But unless Congress acts soon, misguided...
03/24/25 Bridging the Healthcare Gap: Addressing Disparities in Women’s Health During Women’s History Month
March is Women's History Month and as we celebrate it's important to remember and reflect on the disparities women face especially in the field of healthcare. Despite medical advancements and policy reform, women routinely face significant gaps in access, treatments, and health outcomes. The disparities...
02/11/25 Policymakers Need to Empower Black Communities to Overcome Health Disparities
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the rich contributions and resilience of Black Americans. It's also a crucial opportunity to reflect on the ongoing challenges faced by Black communities, including persistent health disparities. These disparities are not simply a matter of present-day...
01/14/25 Minority communities need access to GLP-1s. Congress and President-elect Trump must deliver.
Over the past few years, GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy have become household names. Prescriptions for these medications have skyrocketed in the United States, from just over 131,000 between 2015 and 2018 to more than 679,000 between 2019 and 2023. These drugs are popular for good...
01/07/25 New HEC Community Member Podcast Highlights Why the 119th Congress Needs to Prioritize 340B and PBM Reforms
Reforming the 340B program and addressing the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) is crucial. The 340B program aims to stretch scarce federal resources by providing discounts on medications to safety-net hospitals and clinics serving underserved communities....