To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health, to award grants to faith- or community-based organizations to address persistent health inequities and chronic disease challenges.
The Health Equity Innovation Act of 2023 creates a new federal grant program that provides funding to faith-based and community organizations working to reduce health disparities and chronic disease in underserved areas. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a track record of addressing health disparities in medically underserved communities or health professional shortage areas, with priority given to those that operated health access programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants can support a range of activities including preventive health services, community health workers and navigators, culturally appropriate care expansion, and programs addressing social determinants of health like food insecurity and transportation barriers. The bill authorizes $50 million in fiscal year 2024, increasing to $70 million by 2028, with a cap of 5 percent of funds available for administrative costs. This legislation directly affects faith- and community-based organizations serving vulnerable populations and the millions of Americans living in areas with limited healthcare access and resources.
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