HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-19-23 Public Comment - L. Alberrs - Re_ The American Heart Association Support of the Belonging in Bozeman Equity and Inclusion PlanFrom:Liz Albers
To:Agenda
Cc:Alexa Wohrman
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Re: The American Heart Association Support of the Belonging in Bozeman Equity and Inclusion Plan
Date:Tuesday, December 19, 2023 7:49:39 AM
Attachments:image001.pngLetter of Support. Bozeman.12.19.docx
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Good morning,
Please see the attached letter to the Bozeman City Commission regarding the American Heart
Association’s support of the Belonging in Bozeman Equity and Inclusion Plan.
Thank you,
Liz Albers
Liz Albers
She/Her/Hers
State Government Relations Director, Montana
and WyomingAmerican Heart Association
| Missoula, Montana | 59802
| M 406.207.6227
December 19, 2023
Bozeman City Commission
121 N Rouse Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715
Re: The American Heart Association Support of the Belonging in Bozeman Equity and Inclusion Plan
Dear Mayor Andrus and Members of the Bozeman City Commission,
The American Heart Association’s mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. For
close to 100 years, the American Heart Association has been committed to improving the health of all Americans
by funding innovative research, providing tools and information to save and improve lives, and fighting for
strong public health policies. The American Heart Association acknowledges that structural racism has been and
remains a fundamental cause of persistent health disparities in the United States. For this reason, we support
the Resolution to create, implement, and maintain health equity action plans, like the Belonging in Bozeman
Equity and Inclusion Plan.
Health equity is achieved when every person has the opportunity to attain their full health potential, and no one
is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined
circumstances. Health inequities are reflected in differences in length of life; quality of life; rates of disease,
disability, and death; severity of disease; and access to treatment. Many communities across the U.S. have
declared racism as a public health crisis and have given verbal commitments to reduce health inequities, but the
steps to reduce inequities are not quite as simple as a resolution or declaration. A community-driven health
equity action plan, like Belonging in Bozeman, can engage the community members in prioritizing and driving
the positive changes they need to live a healthier life. For these reasons, we urge the Bozeman City Commission
to adopt the plan.
I thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Liz Albers
Liz Albers
State Government Relations Director,
Montana and Wyoming
American Heart Association
| Missoula, Montana | 59802
| M 406.207.6227