Advancing Health Equity and Access in New Hampshire: A 2025 Focus

Health Equity Will Reduce Barriers to Healthcare

Health equity is a key pillar of the New Hampshire Public Health Association’s (NHPHA) work, and in 2025, the need to address disparities in healthcare access has never been more urgent. While the Granite State has made strides in improving public health, significant gaps remain, particularly among rural communities, low-income families, and people of color. This fall, NHPHA is doubling down on efforts to promote policies and initiatives that reduce barriers to healthcare, ensuring that everyone in New Hampshire can live a healthy, fulfilling life.

What is Health Equity?

Health equity means that every person has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, or geographic location. This involves removing obstacles such as poverty, discrimination, and unequal access to quality education, housing, and healthcare. When these social determinants of health are addressed, communities can thrive.

In New Hampshire, these obstacles manifest in different ways across the state. Rural residents may face transportation challenges when accessing healthcare services, while immigrants and people of color may encounter language barriers and discrimination within the healthcare system. Addressing these disparities requires a community-wide effort to build systems that provide equal care for all.

Barriers to Access in New Hampshire

Even though New Hampshire has a high overall ranking in many health indicators, these averages often mask the struggles of certain communities. For example, in rural areas of the North Country and the Monadnock region, there are fewer healthcare providers and limited public transportation options. This can make it difficult for residents to attend medical appointments, get preventive screenings, or manage chronic conditions.

In addition, housing instability and food insecurity are growing concerns that have a direct impact on health. Without secure housing or access to nutritious food, families are more likely to experience stress and health complications, which perpetuate the cycle of inequity.

Innovations in Expanding Access

To confront these challenges, innovative solutions are emerging throughout New Hampshire. Telehealth services, for example, have expanded significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a critical link for people in remote areas or those with mobility issues. By expanding broadband access across the state, more residents can benefit from virtual healthcare services, which can reduce travel barriers and wait times.

Additionally, community health centers, such as federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), are playing a vital role in providing care to underserved populations. These centers offer sliding-scale payment options, translation services, and culturally competent care, helping to bridge the gap for those who may otherwise go without necessary medical attention.

Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities

People of color in New Hampshire continue to face disparities in healthcare outcomes, including higher rates of chronic disease and lower access to preventive care. These issues are exacerbated by factors such as systemic racism, language barriers, and mistrust of the healthcare system.

Organizations like the NHPHA are actively partnering with community leaders and advocacy groups to create culturally relevant healthcare services and improve outreach to marginalized populations. The work being done by local organizations like the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity, as well as programs supporting immigrant and refugee health, are crucial in advancing health equity across the state. Expanding access to interpreters and translation services, along with increasing the diversity of healthcare providers, is also a priority.

Policy Advocacy for a Healthier Future

Achieving health equity requires not only grassroots efforts but also policy change at the state and federal levels. The NHPHA is advocating for policies that address the social determinants of health, such as affordable housing, living wages, and access to nutritious food. Efforts to expand Medicaid, increase funding for community health centers, and promote maternal and child health programs are all steps toward reducing health disparities.

One such initiative is the push for more affordable and accessible reproductive healthcare. Reproductive justice is closely tied to health equity, as access to contraception, family planning, and maternal care can dramatically improve the health and well-being of women and families, especially in underserved communities.

Building Healthier Communities Together

As we move into 2025, the NHPHA remains committed to advancing health equity by engaging communities and fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents. Promoting health equity is not just about providing care—it’s about transforming the systems that prevent people from reaching their full potentialBy addressing root causes, such as poverty and discrimination, and working to eliminate barriers to healthcare access, we can create a healthier and more inclusive New Hampshire for all. It will take all of us—policymakers, healthcare workers, and residents alike—to achieve this vision.

For more information on how you can get involved or support health equity initiatives in New Hampshire, visit .

the New Hampshire Public Health Association website. Together, we can ensure that every Granite Stater has the opportunity to live a healthy life.