The Office of Health Equity (OHE) was established, as authorized by Section 131019.5 of the California Health and Safety Code (PDF). The OHE provides a key leadership role to reduce health and mental health disparities experienced by vulnerable communities in California.

A priority of this groundbreaking office is building of cross-sectoral partnerships. The work of OHE is informed in part, by their advisory committee and stakeholder meetings. The office works with community-based organizations and local governmental agencies to ensure that community perspectives and input help to shape a health equity lens  in policies and strategic plans, recommendations, and implementation activities.

Portrait of Promise: The Statewide Plan to Promote Health and Mental Health Equity (PDF)

Portrait of Promise presents background and evidence on the root causes and consequences of health inequities in California. This report explores a broad range of socioeconomic forces that shape the health of entire communities, especially the vulnerable and underserved communities. Read the full updated report, February 2020 (PDF). 

OHE Units

To carry out our work, the Office of Health Equity is organized into various operational units whose focus is to strengthen the Department of Public Health's ability to advise and assist other state departments, provide data that facilitates action, and engage partners who share our commitment in eliminating inequities in health and mental health across the state. Learn more about these programs below:

Advancing Community Equity Branch

Business Operations Unit

Climate Change & Health Equity Section (CCHES)

Community Development & Engagement Section (CDES)

Gender Health Equity Unit (GHEU)

Health Equity Research & Statistics Section (HERSS)