Gillibrand Introduces Legislation To Address Racial Disparities In Health Care Access

Gillibrand Introduces Legislation To Address Racial Disparities In Health Care Access

Sep 17, 2025

Bill Would Help Provide High-Quality And Affordable Preventative Health Care In Medically Underserved Communities Across The Country

Black Americans Are More Likely To Suffer From Diabetes, Heart Disease, And Other Serious Chronic Conditions - Disparities Made Worse By Limited Access To Preventative Care

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced the introduction of the Health Access Innovation Act, legislation to fight racial disparities in health outcomes by expanding access to preventative health care in underserved communities. The bill would establish a new grant program to provide federal funding to faith- and community-based organizations located in medically underserved areas. Grants would help cover the cost of providing preventative care - including free or low-cost health screenings, vaccinations, family planning services, and mental health services - hiring community health workers, and expanding capacity. Gillibrand is calling for $50 million for this program to be included in the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bill. Representative Nikema Williams (D-GA-05) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Far too many New Yorkers are unable to access the health care they need," said Senator Gillibrand. "Trusted community and faith-based organizations play a vital role in helping to fill these gaps, providing the services that build healthier communities and helping to address racial disparities in health outcomes. I am proud to lead the Health Access Innovation Act to ensure these institutions have the resources they need to continue doing this critical work."

"Too many families still struggle to get the care they need in the neighborhoods they call home. The Health Access Innovation Act begins to invest in a key solution to the crisis of access to care, putting resources directly in the hands of faith and community-based organizations that people already know and trust. Whether it is a church that stepped up during the height of COVID-19 or a non-profit that opens its' doors to provide routine care, these local leaders are on the frontlines of addressing health disparities. Providing the resources to expand care helps us ensure working families can lead healthier lives-no matter their ZIP code or bank account," said Congresswoman Williams.

Social determinants of health drive inequities in health outcomes seen across racial and ethnic groups. A lack of access to high-quality health care has long fueled health disparities affecting Black Americans. Black Americans are disproportionately affected by conditions like asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Black women are over three times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related complications, and Black infants face the highest mortality rate of any group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Black individuals were hospitalized and died at significantly higher rates than white Americans. To help address these persistent health inequities and chronic disease challenges, it is vital to expand access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care to meet diverse communities' needs.

The Health Access Innovation Act would help address the lack of access to care by awarding grants to faith- and community-based organizations with a proven track record of addressing health inequities. Eligible organizations would be located in federally designated Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) or Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), geographic areas and populations that have limited access to primary care services.

"The Health Access Innovation Act is a transformative step in ensuring that trusted community and faith-based organizations like ours can continue to deliver life-saving care to communities that need it most," said Rev. Kimberly L. Williams, President & CEO of Choose Healthy Life, a nonprofit that delivers health services through the Black church. "This legislation empowers us all to expand our reach and deepen our impact, and we are profoundly grateful to Senator Gillibrand and Congresswoman Williams for their leadership."

Gillibrand is a longstanding advocate for racial equality in health care. Notably, she champions of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, a package of 13 bills, including her Moms Matter Act, that would help address the Black maternal mortality crisis as well as racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health care. The legislation would invest in social determinants of health that influence maternal health outcomes; diversify the perinatal workforce; extend WIC eligibility in the postpartum and breastfeeding periods; promote maternal vaccinations, and more.

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