Christine Arsnow

Dear members of the House Health and Human services committee, My name is Christine Arsnow, M.D. I am a pediatrician in Concord. I am writing to urge you to oppose HB 392 “Directing the dissolution of the department of health and human services' office of health equity, department of environmental services' functions for civil rights and environmental justice, and the governor's council on diversity and inclusion.” Dissolving this office will negatively impact some of the most vulnerable children in our state. The Office of Minority Health was created over 25 years ago to help ensure that all residents of New Hampshire have access to DHHS services and to improve the health of minorities. The department was expanded to include refugee programs and renamed the Office of Health Equity in 2016. One of the primary responsibilities of the office of Health Equity is Communication Access. This means providing assistance to all who need it, including individuals who are Deaf or have hearing loss, are blind or have low vision, or people who have limited English proficiency. This office is also responsible for ensuring that underserved populations in the state such as low income individuals in rural areas have their health needs met. A Department of Public Health, by definition, must consider the needs of the entire community. This includes people who are Deaf, Blind, and low income. Dissolving this office would detract resources from some of the most vulnerable children in our state. This is irresponsible. Please vote to oppose HB 392. Thank you.