The Greater New Bedford Allies for Health and Wellness (GNB Allies) held a Health Equity Summit at the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center conference room on June 8, 2012. A person's poor health can often be the result of social, economic, and environmental factors. Many racial and ethnic groups bear an unequal burden of disease, disability and death. Racism, poverty, unequal access to good healthcare, and safe neighborhoods all contribute to disparities. Research shows that in Massachusetts Asian, Black, Latino, Native Americans, and new immigrant groups are less healthy than whites. Research also shows that early detection and treatment by providers can be influenced by a patient's race, ethnicity, or language. A patient feels welcome when they feel those caring for them understand their culture and beliefs. Treatment is more likely to be successful when healthcare providers share similar racial, ethnic and language backgrounds with their patients. These and other factors were the subject of the Summit. More information about GNB Allies is available at www.gnbcoast.org. For more information, contact Martha Gonzalez at the Health Center, at 508-992-6553, or GNB Allies coordinator, Elizabeth Leatham. 

(Top row, left) Martha Gonzalez of the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center welcomes some of the speakers which included Georgia Simpson-May, Director of the Office of Health Equity for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Elmer Freeman, Executive Director of the Center for Community Health Education Research and Service. (Middle row) Kim Ferreira of Coastline Elderly Services, Angela Bannister of Partners, Kathy Murphy of the UIA Health Workers, applaud Lisa Renee Holderby-Fox. Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Community Health Workers. (Bottom row, left) Immigrants Assistance Center Director Helena Marques greets Nora Andion and Maria Mendes during the break. (Bottom row, center) Presenter Valentina Martinez of the New Bedford YWCA chats with Kathy Murphy during the break. (Bottom row, right) Gail Hirsch, Director of the Office of Community Health Workers, talks about the important role of CHWs in creating health equity.