State Launches New Office Of Health Equity

North Carolina has hired its first-ever Chief Health Equity Officer. Victor Armstrong will head a newly created office within the Department of Health and Human Services.  

State officials say the Office of Health Equity was designed to reduce disparities in opportunity and outcomes for historically marginalized populations.

Armstrong will be tasked with leading an initiative to promote diversity and inclusion across all NCDHHS services and within internal employee culture.

According to a news release, Armstrong joined the department in 2020 as Director of the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services.

He released a statement saying that a focus on health equity is urgently needed and that no one should be disadvantaged because of their social status.

Former State Senator Angela Bryant is also joining the department as Assistant Secretary of Equity and Inclusion.