Dear Friends,
I recently celebrated my second full year as CEO of ChangeLab Solutions. Reflecting on the past two years and the trajectory of my career in public health law, I am struck by how much I have learned while working in this dynamic field. I am continually humbled to lead an organization that responds with creativity and tenacity to both novel and systemic public health challenges.
Every day, the technical skills of our staff and partners push the boundaries of equitable policymaking. Below I have shared some examples of our recent equity-informed projects, highlighting innovations in housing inspection as well as the critical role of community-based organizations in advancing health justice.
As always, feel free to reach out with questions, ideas, or opportunities for future partnerships.
With gratitude,
Sarah de Guia, JD
CEO, ChangeLab Solutions
Proactive Rental Inspections for Healthy Homes
When tenants face unsafe housing conditions, they typically have few ways to compel landlords to address potential health hazards. Common approaches like complaint-based rental inspection can lead to retaliation by landlords, discouraging low-income or undocumented renters from exercising their rights. Read our new post on proactive rental inspection (PRI) — a more equitable approach to housing justice that has been implemented successfully in cities across the United States — and find out how ChangeLab Solutions can help your city enact or improve PRI.
COVID-19 & Community Needs
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to inequitably affect Californians who are Black, Indigenous, or other people of color (BIPOC), community-based organizations (CBOs) throughout the state have stepped up to fill gaps in government response, providing resources and services to those who most need them. Check out a new report from ChangeLab Solutions, the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, and Prevention Institute for recommendations on how policymakers can make structural changes and partner with CBOs to support a more equitable economic recovery.
Public Health Authority & the Pandemic
Public health agencies are crucial for protecting Americans’ health and safety, but many state legislatures are passing laws that strip agencies of their powers — policy changes that can worsen health inequities in many jurisdictions. Access our new collection of resources to learn about threats to public health authority as well as the laws and policies that allow public health agencies to regulate business and public life, carry out preventive and emergency actions, and promote health equity.
Discussions on Uprooting Inequity
Earlier this year, ChangeLab Solutions hosted a six-part discussion series to help changemakers address the drivers of health inequity and promote resilient communities. The sessions covered community health, employment, education, planning, food systems, and housing, each offering rich discussion and innovative solutions to advance health equity across sectors. Watch the episodes on our website.
Join Us at APHA
The American Public Health Association’s Annual Meeting and Expo will take place October 24-27, and we’ll be there! Our staff will speak on issues such as advocacy in the current political climate, state preemption, and equitable enforcement. Stay tuned for an announcement about our presentations.