CA Senate Unanimously Passes Bill by Senator Susan Rubio Targeting Childhood Racial Disparities in Healthcare
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California State Senate today unanimously passed a bill by Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) targeting childhood racial disparities in healthcare.
Senate Bill 682, “End Racial Inequities in Children’s Health in California Initiative” (EnRICH CA), requires the California Health and Human Services Agency, in collaboration with relevant agencies, departments, and stakeholders, to develop and implement a plan that reduces racial disparities in children health outcomes by 50% by December 31, 2030.
“The state needs to be proactive in its approach in tackling racial health inequities and must establish clear targets to achieve those goals,” Sen. Rubio said. “I am excited to see EnRICH CA pass the State Senate with unanimous bipartisan support. Ensuring equitable and timely access to preventative measures will lead to better health outcomes for our children and the adults they will soon become.”
“We applaud the Senate for passing SB 682 that outlines concrete steps to reduce racial disparities in chronic childhood health conditions,” said President of Children Now, Ted Lempert. “COVID-19 has shone a light on racial disparities in experiences, access, and treatment and California now has an opportunity to close those gaps in childhood chronic diseases that have lifelong implications. California must have a comprehensive strategy to address the systemic barriers that lead to racial inequities in children’s health outcomes.”
“We are pleased to see so many lawmakers recognizing the need to address racial health disparities among children. Senate Bill 682 will ensure we tackle this issue in a comprehensive way by harnessing the state’s capacity across multiple departments in order to identify and address the full range of factors that contribute to the persistence and disproportionality of chronic diseases in communities of color,” said President and CEO of the California Children’s Hospital Association, Ann-Louise Kuhns.
“Public Health Advocates is pleased that the Senate voted to pass SB 682 today. Giving state agencies an explicit directive to eliminate racial disparities in childhood chronic disease is an important step forward to improve the long-term health of Californians,” said Executive Director of Public Health Advocates, Harold Goldstein.
Approximately 25% of all children experience chronic health conditions. In California, the most common diseases and illnesses among our youth include asthma, diabetes, depression, dental caries, and vaping-related diseases. As a former educator and a current member on the Senate Health Committee, Sen. Susan Rubio continues to advocate for the health of our youth population, ensuring they are able to reach their full potential.
SB 682 now heads to the California State Assembly.
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Media Contact: Edward Barrera, edward.barrera@sen.ca.gov