Health Equity

We are intentional about addressing intersectionality in barriers to healthcare for people who don’t speak English, people with disabilities and chronic conditions, and people who are undocumented.

Black people, immigrants and people of color are at disproportionate risk of being uninsured, lack access to care, and experience worse health outcomes. Racism is a public health emergency.  Non-English speakers, people with disabilities and chronic conditions, rural residents, and people who are undocumented also face specific barriers to accessing healthcare. The Shriver Center drives efforts to improve and expand access to dental, vision, and mental health care for these communities, care which is critical to people’s ability to work, learn in school, and experience a good quality of life.

We are on the front lines of the national fight to eradicate discrimination in health care as steering members of the Protect Our Care, Protecting Immigrant Families, and Healthy Illinois Campaign coalitions and work in collaboration with community-based groups, health-care providers, and other advocacy organizations to challenge discriminatory federal policies.

Support Our Work

Make a donation to fuel our advocacy

Our Insights

Medicaid played an important role as an essential source of health insurance for millions during the COVID pandemic.

The stimulus bill is taking its place in history as one of the largest anti-poverty measures in a generation.

Six things Congress and the Trump Administration can do right now

A statement from the Shriver Center on Poverty Law.

Our Impact

Long-term care is a vital service that should be available to all Illinoisans.

Recommendations to the Illinois Department of Public Health

By expanding Medicaid coverage to 12 months postpartum, Illinois can make significant progress toward reducing maternal mortality and morbidity.

The Shriver Center on Poverty Law will continue to advocate for healthcare for all Illinoisans until everyone has access to coverage.

Resources

Jul 2020

A collection of readings, research, and tools to help guide an understanding of structural racism.

Mar 2020

Links to information and useful resources to aid communities seeking support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apr 2020

COVID-19 has revealed the high cost of policies that have kept undocumented immigrants without access to healthcare, housing, and food assistance.

Mar 2020

Learn more about strategies to ensure healthcare coverage for all.

Jun 2020

The Fight for Environmental Justice in Federally Assisted Housing

Attorneys and Specialists

Stephanie Altman
Stephanie Altman
Stephanie Altman
Director of Healthcare Justice and Senior Director of Policy
she/her

312.789.4105

Stephani Becker
Stephani Becker
Stephani Becker
Associate Director of Healthcare Justice
she/her

312.789.4482

Andrea Kovach
Andrea Kovach
Andrea Kovach
Senior Attorney, Healthcare Justice

312.368.1089

Daniela Vélez-Clucas
Daniela Vélez-Clucas
Daniela Vélez-Clucas
Staff Attorney, Healthcare Justice/Immigration
she/her/hers

312.854.3280

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