WASHINGTON, D.C. – Matt Eyles, president and CEO of AHIP, issued this statement today following President Biden’s signing of a Congressional resolution establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day.
“The declaration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is long overdue. We applaud Congress for its vast bipartisan support commemorating this day to of freedom and liberation for Blacks enslaved in Texas ending one dark chapter in our nation’s history. As we celebrate Juneteenth, let’s also recommit ourselves to fighting racism, social and economic equity and ending health inequities.”
“Communities of color have had a long history of being underinvested and under-represented, which creates significant barriers to health equity. Health insurance providers will continue to take action to improve health equity and break down barriers to better health, such as insecure housing, poor nutrition, and lack of transportation. AHIP’s Vaccine Community Connectors program, which is working to enable the vaccination of millions of Americans in our most at-risk, vulnerable and underserved communities, is just one example of that commitment.“
AHIP is strongly committed to fighting discrimination in all forms – in our offices, our communities, and our work.”
For more information on how health insurance providers are working to improve health equity, visit our health equity and Project Link pages.
About AHIP
AHIP is the national association whose members provide health care coverage, services, and solutions to hundreds of millions of Americans every day. We are committed to market-based solutions and public-private partnerships that make health care better and coverage more affordable and accessible for everyone. Visit www.ahip.org to learn how working together, we are Guiding Greater Health