An Act to create equitable approaches to public health

This bill creates a new grant program within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to fund non-law enforcement community responses for emergency situations. The program aims to protect mental and physical well-being, prevent violence, and reduce the need for police involvement by connecting residents with human services. To receive funding, local partnerships must include a government unit and community-based organizations, and they must demonstrate experience working with specific populations. A diverse board of community stakeholders, including social workers and service consumers, will oversee the grants and evaluate their effectiveness based on health outcomes and reduced law enforcement demand.