Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Department of Health

Commission for Health Advocacy & Equity

The Rhode Island Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity (CHAE) is a State commission introduced and written into legislation in 2011 (RIGL §23-64.1) with support from current and former legislators

Mission

  1. To advocate for the integration of activities that will help achieve health equity;
  2. To advise the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) on racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic health disparities;
  3. To develop and coordinate the expertise and experience of the state’s health and human services, housing, transportation, education, environment, community development, and labor systems to develop a comprehensive health equity plan that addresses the social determinants of health;
  4. To develop health equity goals and plans in alignment with other statewide planning activities; and
  5. To educate State agencies on health disparities.

Official Commission Information more

Commission Members Biographies

Interested in applying for a commissioner role on the CHAE? Please complete the Expression of Interest Form.

Policy Briefs and Reports

2024 Addendum: 2022 Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Security in Rhode Island Communities

This addendum updates the 2022 brief to the most current data and information. The 2022 brief reflected a point-in-time analysis. 

2022 Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Security in Rhode Island Communities

This brief highlights how Rhode Islanders have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on food security and the State’s response to emerging challenges in food access. Additionally, it outlines specific needs and recommendations to better inform recovery efforts and planning for future health emergencies. 

2020 Rhode Island Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity Legislative Report

This report provides data to help educate the Rhode Island General Assembly, State agencies, and partner organizations on health inequities in Rhode Island. 

2017 Rhode Island Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity Legislative Report

This comprehensive report highlights preventable health inequities in Rhode Island. 

2015 Rhode Island Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity Legislative Report

This report identifies health inequities across Rhode Island and offers recommendations to advance health equity.