Mass. Residents Express Strong Support of Action to Advance Health Equity
Support for health equity includes backing specific health equity policy priorities.
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Boston, MA (June 13, 2023): A new poll conducted in Massachusetts reveals widespread support for actions to advance health equity in the state. The survey, conducted by The MassINC Polling Group and sponsored by The Health Equity Compact with special support from the François-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University, highlights the public's strong desire for equal opportunities for a long and healthy life, regardless of income, education, or race.
The poll found that 75% of Massachusetts residents say they strongly agree that everyone should have the opportunity to live a long, healthy life, with an additional 21% somewhat agreeing (see chart). Furthermore, 80% of Massachusetts residents agree that some groups of residents face more obstacles to getting healthcare (41% strongly agree).
The survey captured responses from 1,546 Massachusetts residents, and included oversamples of Black, Latino, and Asian residents to allow for a more detailed exploration of the opinions and experiences of each.
The poll also revealed that a majority of respondents believe that the healthcare system (72%), state government (71%), and employers (53%) have a major role to play in improving health equity in Massachusetts. Residents of color are more likely to see a major role for each (see chart).
Beyond supporting broad ideals, Massachusetts residents also expressed their endorsement for concrete health equity policy priorities. The survey showed large majority support for measures such as medication affordability, local investments, and culturally responsive healthcare.
The results of the public opinion poll demonstrate support for collective commitment to advancing health equity and serve as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and business and community leaders to collaborate in achieving this crucial goal.
For more information about the survey findings and the Health Equity Compact, please visit healthequitycompact.org or contact Nate Hillyer at The Castle Group (nhillyer@thecastlegrp.com).
About the Health Equity Compact
The Health Equity Compact is a coalition of 70 leaders of color who seek to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable health outcomes for all residents of the Commonwealth. Compact members are high-level executives and experts from a diverse set of health, business, labor, and philanthropic organizations, including hospitals, health centers, payers, academic institutions, and public health. Our members are committed to eliminating health inequities as the next chapter of health reform.
About the poll
These results are based on a survey of 1,546 Massachusetts residents. Responses were collected via live telephone interviews via landline and cells phones, online survey, and text to web interviewing May 15-24, 2023. Oversamples of Black, Latino, and Asian respondents were obtained to bring the total interview count to at least 250 for each group. Results within race and ethnicity were weighted to age, gender, geography, and education level for each group. Groups were then combined and weighted to the population parameters by race for the state as a whole. The credibility interval for this survey is +/- 3.1 percentage points for the entire sample, including the design effect. This project was sponsored by the Health Equity Compact.
About The MassINC Polling Group
The MassINC Polling Group is a nonpartisan public opinion research firm serving public, private, and social-sector clients. MPG elevates the public's voice with cutting edge methods and rigorous analysis. Based in Boston, MPG serves a nationwide client base.
Media Contact
Nate Hillyer
The Castle Group
860.574.5507
nhillyer@thecastlegrp.com