Congresswoman Donna Christensen, Congressman Danny K. Davis (Invited) and Dr. Gary Puckrein and other Members of Congress

Session I: Health Equity and the Changing Demographics in America: Why Health Disparities Should Be Relevant to Everyone. During this session, panelists will highlight various under-addressed health equity issues, raise awareness about the diversity of subpopulation groups affected by health disparities and explore the changing demographics in this nation and its impact on health. A Q&A session will follow.

Session II: Health Policy In Every Policy: Tackling the Social Determinants of Health. During this session, panelists will explore the health policies that exist in urban, housing and transportation policies; those that exist in environmental, climate and energy policies; those that exist in education policies; and those that exist in economic and labor policies. A Q&A session will follow.

Session III: Community-Centric Health Equity Efforts: A Spotlight on Place Matters. Scientific research indicates that changing the social determinants of health is crucial to promoting health equity and reducing disparities. Additionally, numerous research findings confirm the positive impact that community-centric health and wellness efforts have on individuals, neighborhoods and communities. Unfortunately, systematic and comprehensive conversion of this knowledge into policy and practice has been limited, particularly at the local level.

This session, therefore, will focus on Place Matters – a nationwide initiative designed to improve the health outcomes of participating communities through shared learning experiences. The program assists participating teams in developing and implementing community-based strategies to address the social factors that determine health. The Place Matters initiative aims to address this gap by cultivating new leadership and advancing the Fair Health Movement—one community at a time. Following the presentations, a Q&A session will occur.

Special Remarks by Majority Whip, Congressman James Clyburn (invited), A Special Presentation of "The Deadliest Disease In America” and Health Equity and Awards Luncheon. During the lunch, Congressman James Clyburn, the Majority Whip in the U.S. House of Representatives, will deliver special remarks about health equity and the pivotal role it must and will play in health care reform.

Following the address from the Majority Whip, Congressman Clyburn, portions of a documentary – The Deadliest Disease In America – will air. This documentary follows the story of four individuals, all of whom experienced racism and discrimination in seeking medical care. The film also highlights five organizations throughout the country, from New England to Texas, that are making significant strides in resolving this crisis.

The Deadliest Disease in America gives voice to many stakeholders joining a wave of activism and a movement for change that has been sweeping across the nation with the ultimate goal of a universal health care system that serves all equally, eliminating disparate treatment based on racial and ethnic differences.

The Awards Luncheon will follow the screening.

Session IV:

Launching a Health Equity Movement with Special Opening Remarks by Congressman John Lewis (invited). During this moderated panel, participants – representing a broad cross-section of health equity stakeholders and activists – will provide their perspective on health equity and the importance of ensuring that it is an integral component of health care reform; engage in a dialogue about the necessary components of a health equity movement; explore how to lay the groundwork for such a movement; and discuss some of the effective strategies that have been used to launch other successful movements.

By Congresswoman Donna Christensen and other Members of Congress