Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® supports Senate Bill 560 because it strengthens the Maryland Commission on Health Equity by expanding its membership and incorporating a more comprehensive health equity framework. The bill acknowledges the significant role of social determinants of health—including access to transportation, proximity to healthcare facilities, and economic stability—on community well-being. By refining the Commission’s mission, the bill aims to foster a more collaborative and intersectional approach to addressing health disparities.

The Sorority has a longstanding commitment to advancing social justice and health equity, particularly in communities of color that have historically experienced systemic barriers to healthcare and socioeconomic advancement. This legislation aligns with the Sorority's mission to eliminate racial and economic disparities in health outcomes through policy reform, education, and community-based solutions.

Impact on the Black Community and Other Historically Marginalized Communities

Senate Bill 560 will have a direct and transformative impact on Black and other historically marginalized communities by:

1. Expanding Representation in Health Equity Policy – By broadening the Maryland Commission on Health Equity’s membership to include agencies overseeing corrections, environmental policies, veterans' affairs, and transportation, the bill ensures that a diverse range of voices and expertise inform health equity strategies.

2. Addressing Key Social Determinants of Health – The bill prioritizes factors such as safe and affordable housing, employment opportunities, transportation access, and food security. These elements disproportionately affect Black communities and other marginalized groups, leading to chronic health disparities.

3. Improving Access to Healthcare – With a specific focus on transit accessibility to healthcare facilities and primary care providers, the legislation seeks to remove a significant barrier to medical services in underserved areas.

4. Enhancing Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform – The bill acknowledges the impact of crime, the justice system, and governmental policies on health outcomes. This is particularly relevant to Black and Brown communities that face disproportionate incarceration rates and challenges post-incarceration.

5. Developing a Statewide Health Equity Plan – By setting specific goals and creating a comprehensive health equity framework, the bill lays the foundation for long-term systemic changes that will benefit generations to come.

By supporting Senate Bill 560, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® continues its advocacy for policies that uplift marginalized communities, ensuring that every Maryland resident has equitable access to healthcare and essential resources.