SPS Resolution on Racial Equity - Letter of Support

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BHT wrote the Spokane Public Schools Board in support of the adoption of the Board resolution on racial equity. The letter is copied below:

To:      
School Board President, Jerrall Haynes
School Board Vice President, Michael Wiser
School Board Member, Nicki Lockwood
School Board Member, Jenny Slagle
School Board Member, Kevin Morrison

From: Alison Poulsen, Executive Director

Date:   June 9, 2020

RE:       Support for School Board Resolution on Racial Equity

On behalf of the Board and staff of Better Health Together (BHT), we strongly support the proposed Resolution on Racial Equity. BHT is committed to ensuring every person in our community has the institutional support to achieve their full health potential and that no person experiences negative health outcomes as a result of identity, environment, or experiences. 

Over the past two years, BHT has committed our work to increase health equity through our Medicaid Transformation efforts. These efforts include:

  • Financially supporting our Community Voices Council members with stipends. It’s often an unfair financial burden to community members to participate, while organizations pay for their leaders to participate.

  • Organizationally supporting our county-based Collaboratives to select a community Equity project. The Spokane Collaborative has prioritized activities related to: 

    • outreach to policymakers and landlords regarding rental assistance needs emerging during COVID; 

    • parent & caregiver support trainings in the 99207 zip code, and connecting those trainings to resources & incentives such as food and financial assistance; and

    • creating messaging about available mental health resources while mental health stigma may be lessened during COVID.

  • Structuring our contracts with Primary Care and Behavioral Health providers to include Pay-for-Equity activities.

  • Deepening our BHT staff and Board’s commitment to equity via monthly equity trainings and workgroups focused on expanding knowledge and dismantling white supremacy culture.

We stand with Spokane Schools to build anti-racism into the bones of our society to increase empowerment, belonging, value, and hope for the future (adapted from Ijeoma Olou). We applaud your adoption of this Racial Equity resolution and action steps.