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COVID-19 and Health Equity

Disparate health outcomes due to social and structural barriers have long existed, mostly impacting people of color, people with disabilities, low-income people, and people with less education. These disparities have received renewed attention as the same groups of people are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Living conditions, work circumstances, underlying health conditions, and systemic issues in health care and public health all affect the vulnerability of communities, and especially communities of color. This collection of resources and tools is designed to address legal and policy issues that contribute to health inequity, grouped by different social or political determinants of health.

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Real-time assistance for questions related to COVID-19 response

The Network can assist local, county, tribal and state health agencies with timely guidance, resources and information critical to key COVID-19 response measures, particularly in the areas of:

  • public health authority and emergency powers,
  • constitutionality of practices,
  • health data privacy,
  • protections for disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals,
  • crisis standards of care, and
  • ethical decision making.

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Eastern Region Office

The Eastern Region leads the legal technical assistance and research efforts for:
»     Injury Prevention and Safety
»     Environmental Public Health
»     Food Safety


Mid-States Region Office

The Mid-States Region leads the legal technical assistance and research efforts for:
»     Health Information Data Sharing
»     Public Health Statutes and Regulatory Information


Northern Region Office

The Northern Region leads the legal technical assistance and research efforts for:
»     Mental Health and Well-Being
»     Rural Health Equity
»     Climate Resilience


Southeastern Region Office

The Southeastern Region leads the legal technical assistance and research efforts for:
»     Drug Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction
»     Health Reform
»     Maternal and Child Health
»     Public Health Agency Structure, Organization and Accreditation
»     Messaging


Western Region Office

The Western Region leads the legal technical assistance and research efforts for:
»     Emergency Legal Preparedness and Response
»     Immunization

How we can help

Legal Research and Assistance

Experienced legal experts are available to answer questions and provide research, analysis and guidance. Let us know what you’re working on and together we can figure out how we can help.


Legal Assistance Library

Explore the Network’s Legal Assistance Library to find answers to commonly asked questions on a variety of public health topics.