Social Justice & Health Equity
School Health staff and other stakeholders have observed a broad range of inequities, with mental health a particular concern. Health disparities don’t just affect students’ health, but also their ability to reach their full potential in school and beyond.
The Social Justice & Health Equity Specialist is a newly-created grant funded position which will help ensure that Cambridge students are the healthiest that they can be. Building upon the existing ties between School Health and the Cambridge Public Schools (CPS), the Health Equity Specialist will guide the development of a more robust and intentional collaboration between the Cambridge Public Health Department and CPS, with a focus on promoting health equity.
Current initiatives include:
- In coordination with in-school therapeutic services, providing wraparound case management for caregivers and families experiencing mental health challenges. Supporting the whole child helps students be successful in school and at home;
- Creating translations and cultural adaptations of tools, educational materials, forms, etc.; and
- Undertaking a Quality Improvement Project to better understand chronic absenteeism and respond to the findings with interventions in a culturally responsive way.
Updated: August 15, 2023