External Affairs advocates for legal and societal change to improve health outcomes for marginalized communities.
Equitas Health is a nonprofit community healthcare organization that focuses on addressing healthcare disparities and improving health outcomes for underserved and marginalized communities. The Dept. of External Affairs – which leads the organization’s public policy, advocacy, and related community engagement work – plays a critical role in advancing Equitas Health’s mission.
By addressing legal and societal concerns that impact the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals and by staying deeply connected to the community, this team helps to advance “care for all” far beyond the walls of our medical centers. This dedicated team works closely with policymakers, elected officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies that promote equitable access to healthcare and address systemic barriers to health equity. By advocating for policies that advance health equity, our Dept. of External Affairs helps to create a more inclusive and just society where everyone has the opportunity to live their healthiest lives.
Our first priority is ensuring adequate access to, coverage of, and stable funding for all of the healthcare services that our patients need.
Get connected with free legal assistance with changing your name and gender marker on your identification.
Equitas Health External Affairs
Discover the passionate advocates dedicated to promoting health equity and advocating for LGBTQIA+ and racial rights in our community.
Learn More about Meet Our TeamOur first priority is ensuring adequate access to, coverage of, and stable funding for all of the healthcare services that our patients need.
Learn More about Public Policy PrioritiesTo make good policy, we need good policymakers. Together, our votes make a difference!
Learn More about Voting Rights CenterEquitas Health Public Statements & Policy Briefs
Learn More about Where We StandEquitable and accessible healthcare depends on government programs and public policies rooted in the pursuit of health justice.
Read More about External Affairs Strategic PlanOur dedicated staff works every day to protect this right in a healthcare home where you can feel safe being yourself.
Learn More about Know Your RightsIn the summer of 2022, the U.S. saw its first cases of the mpox virus. Mpox is not new, but until now, outbreaks have only happened overseas.
Learn More about Mpox advocacyStay informed about Ohio's proposed anti-trans rules & laws and what Equitas Health is doing to fight them
Learn More about Gender Affirming Care advocacy
As part of our comprehensive gender-affirming care, Equitas Health partners with TransOhio to offer free legal clinics to help transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive people with name and/or gender marker changes.
Learn More about Gender Affirming Legal Clinic
Equitas Health External Affairs
Equitas Health believes that everyone should have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. Our Voting Rights Center is committed to ensuring that members of our community have access to accurate information, resources, and support to help them navigate the voting process. We believe that every voice matters, and that together, we can create positive change through our votes.
Learn More about Voting Rights Center
Blog 2/28/23
Blog 11/14/22
My first time going to the Ohio State Board of Education in early October was nerve-wracking to say the least. Outside, there were supportive protesters. Inside, allies, trans-identified humans, and religious conservatives filled the lobby. I watched a large group pray for the defeat of the “trans agenda.”
Blog 11/20/20
Dear Equitas Health Community, Please join me in setting aside time today to read the list of those lost to anti-trans violence this year. It is a sobering task—seemingly endless and most surely incomplete.
Blog 11/19/20
Before Teagan Vaughn, PharmD, RPh, was a Clinical Pharmacist at Equitas Health’s King-Lincoln Medical Center & Pharmacy, she was receiving Equitas Health’s Trans Care as a patient of Mimi Rivard, ANP, MSN. I sat down with Teagan to discuss her journey as an Equitas Health patient and provider.
