H.C.R. No. 31 Summary

• Declares racism a public health crisis affecting Ohio, citing evidence from medical and public health organizations that racism contributes to health inequities through social determinants like housing, education, and employment.

• Requests the Governor establish a working group to promote racial equity and support specific initiatives including creating a public glossary of racism and health equity terms, providing training on workplace biases, and promoting equitable hiring and economic development.

• Documents disparities in Ohio including maternal mortality rates 2.5 times higher for Black women, life expectancy nearly four years lower for Black Ohioans, 56% of incarcerated youth being Black despite representing only 16% of youth population, and Black poverty rates more than twice that of white Ohioans.

• Commits the General Assembly to reviewing all portions of state law and all human resource, vendor selection, and grant management activities through a racial equity lens.

• Directs transmission of the resolution to the Governor and Ohio news media.