State and local policymakers

Ensuring that every Ohioan has a fair opportunity to achieve good health and well-being is a shared value in both the public and private sectors. However, Ohioans of color continue to face barriers to health where they live, work, learn, play and age. These barriers are tied to centuries of unjust historical and modern-day policies, practices and beliefs, whether intentional or unintentional, that are rooted in racism. Allowing these barriers to continue to exist will only result in a more economically unstable and unhealthy Ohio.

This fact sheet, the first of a series of three, outlines actions policymakers can take to support the health and well-being of Ohioans of color and move Ohio toward a more economically vibrant and healthier future. The remaining two fact sheets provide action steps for private sector organizations and community groups and individuals.

More resources

HPIO resources

• Connections between racism and health: Individuals and community groups
• Connections between racism and health: Private sector organizations
• Connections between racism and health
• Action Steps to Eliminate Racism resource page
• HPIO health equity work

State plan examples

• COVID-19 Ohio Minority Health Strike Force Blueprint
• Ohio’s Executive Response: A Plan of Action to Advance Equity
• 2020-2022 State Health Improvement Plan
• 2020-2022 Strategic Action Plan on Aging
• 2020-2025 Ohio Commission on Minority Health Strategic Plan

Local plan examples

• Franklin County Rise Together Blueprint
• 2016-2020 Cuyahoga County Board of Health Strategic Plan
• City of Akron Racial Equity and Social Justice Taskforce Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 reports
• City of Dublin Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework