CREEC recognized as a Health Equity Champion by Center for Health Progress
On November 10, 2020, Center for Health Progress recognized groups and individuals whose contributions have either reduced inequities in health outcomes and health care or whose work has changed the systems and policies that keep some Coloradans from achieving their best health. This year Center for Health Progress selected Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center (CREEC) as one of two 2020 Health Equity Champion Award winners.
Since 1997, Center for Health Progress has held an annual event to bring together Colorado’s health leaders and honor those making important contributions to their community through Health Equity Champion awards.
This year’s event included awards two Health Equity Champion Award winners:
- Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center (CREEC) Law
- Department of Student Engagement Initiatives at Adams 12 Five Star Schools
“Colorado has so many talented, committed leaders doing incredible work across the state, and getting to recognize and thank a few of them is one of my favorite parts of the year,” said Joe Sammen, executive director of Center for Health Progress. “This year’s winners have improved the health and lives of tens of thousands of Coloradans—from changing harmful laws to providing direct support to children and families—and we’re so grateful for all they do.”
At this year’s luncheon, Center for Health Project premiered their documentary, The Essentials. Center for Health Project writes that The Essentials “lifts up the voices of our friends and neighbors from around the world who are facing great barriers to survival, but who fight on nonetheless. Their stories expose the true cost of a global pandemic shouldered by immigrant communities, while also revealing the immense resilience and resistance that will power the coming revolution.”
Elizabeth Jordan, Director of CREEC’s Immigration Detention Accountability Project accepted the award on CREEC’s behalf. “Health equity – the idea that everyone has the right to be as healthy as possible– is at its core a civil rights issue, especially when we fight for the rights of people who are marginalized and locked away from society at large to be healthy,” said Elizabeth. “It is a tremendous honor for us to be recognized for our fight for immigrants locked up by ICE by our friends at CHP.”
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About Center for Health Progress
At Center for Health Progress, we believe health care is a right. So, we fight for laws and policies that make it possible for everyone to care for themselves and their families. We’re committed to championing health equity policies and practices, especially for those who have historically faced health inequities based on race/ethnicity, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, poverty, geography, citizenship status, or religion.