January 27, 2021
Contact: Vincent DeMarco
Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative President Vincent DeMarco issued the following statement following the announcement by Senate leaders to support the creation of Health Equity Resource Communities (HERC) in areas of Maryland that lack access to health care services and allocate full funding for the initiative in the coming year.
“We are grateful that Senate President Bill Ferguson and the Senate leaders are supporting legislation to expand health care to underserved communities by establishing Health Equity Resource Communities. Senate leaders have pledged to provide $14 million in funding to fully launch this important initiative in the coming year. This funding will provide the resources to get serious about closing gaps in care that have made it hard for many Marylanders, including many Black and Hispanic residents, to have good access to high-quality health care. It’s absolutely essential that the General Assembly establish a permanent funding source for this effort. That’s why we support for a one-cent increase in the alcohol tax to generate resources for expanding health care and at the same time, driving down problem drinking.”
Last modified: May 3, 2022
