Many of the 11,000 BIPOC residents in the Upper Valley—5% of the population—face systemic barriers to healthcare, social services, and economic opportunities. They report this isolation negatively affects health outcomes, limits self-sufficiency, and creates economic instability.

These challenges extend beyond public health crises, contributing to disparities such as reluctance to seek preventive care, economic disparities and discrimination that create housing instability (or force people into unsafe housing) and high turnover among those who feel unwelcome. Addressing the root causes of health disparities– systemic issues such as limited representation in decision-making roles, barriers to funding, and insufficient culturally competent services– is a public health priority and economic necessity.

The Public Health Council is dedicated to addressing these challenges in ways that support and empower the people most affected.

Co-sponsoring Training & Initiatives that improve our ability as professionals to respond appropriately to the diversity we experience in our clients and patients AND as residents to deal more compassionately with our neighbors.

Providing Backbone Support for Grassroots Initiatives by funding projects giving underrepresented people and groups funds to launch or expand projects addressing disproportionate mental health and other life stressors within their own communities.