A Healthier Columbus: A Vision for Intersectional Care

Health is the foundation of thriving communities, yet too many Columbus residents face barriers to accessing the care they need. Whether it’s the cost of mental health services, the distance to a trusted provider, or systemic inequities that leave certain groups underserved, these challenges affect not just individuals but the fabric of our neighborhoods.

I believe health isn’t just a personal matter—it’s a community responsibility. By expanding mental health resources and advocating for healthcare equity, we can create a city where every resident has the opportunity to live a full, healthy life, no matter their background or identity.

Mental health is as essential as physical health, but for many, affordable and accessible resources remain out of reach. The challenges are even more pronounced for LGBTQ+ individuals and minority communities, who often face stigma or a lack of culturally competent care.

To address these gaps, I will:

• Expand Community Resources: Work to bring affordable mental health services to every neighborhood, partnering with local organizations to establish clinics and support centers.
• Support LGBTQ+ and Minority Communities: Advocate for programs that provide specialized care for these populations, ensuring culturally competent providers are available and affordable.
• Normalize Mental Health Care: Promote public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage residents to seek help when they need it.

Mental health care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. When our residents are mentally healthy, our communities are stronger, more resilient, and more connected.

Quality healthcare should never depend on your zip code, income level, or identity. Yet, disparities in access to care persist, leaving too many without the preventive services and support they need.

To create a more equitable system, I will:

• Improve Outreach: Partner with local health organizations to bring preventive care directly to underserved neighborhoods through mobile clinics, community health fairs, and targeted outreach campaigns.
• Support Affordable Care Initiatives: Advocate for policies that expand Medicaid access and reduce out-of-pocket costs for low-income families.
• Address Systemic Barriers: Work to eliminate biases in healthcare systems that lead to unequal treatment and outcomes, ensuring every resident is treated with dignity and respect.

Equity in healthcare means prioritizing those who have been historically marginalized, addressing the root causes of disparities, and ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need.

Imagine a Columbus where mental health resources are available in every neighborhood, where no one has to choose between paying rent and visiting a doctor, and where every person feels confident they’ll be treated with dignity when they seek care.

This vision isn’t just about health—it’s about equity, justice, opportunity, and community well-being. By investing in intersectional health and social services, we can ensure Columbus grows stronger, healthier, and more united.

I’m committed to building a Columbus where access to care is a right, not a privilege. Together, we can create a city where every resident—regardless of their identity or income—has the support they need to thrive.

Let’s work together for a healthier future–follow me on Instagram or sign up for more information!

.d.