Laying the Foundation for Racial Equity (Part 1)

This training counts toward the MA PGS Certificate

To engage in meaningful racial equity work, we must start by understanding our individual, interpersonal, and institutional roles to advance racial equity in Massachusetts and nationally. But where do we begin? In this training, we will provide foundational knowledge and skills to understand and advance racial equity, with the vision of mobilizing us both individually and collectively. Participants will discuss key racial equity concepts, understand the historical context of systemic racism and power imbalances in the US and Massachusetts, and explore how systemic racism sustains inequities to this day. This training will lay the foundation as we shift to thinking about advancing racial equity in our work.

Although it is not required, we strongly encourage participants to attend both Part I and Part II of this training series. Register for Laying the Foundation for Racial Equity: A Reflection Session (Part 2).

Cost: Free

Location: Virtual

Number of CE(s): 3

Instructional Level: Introductory

Learning Objectives:

• Define racial equity and related concepts
• Describe the historical context of systemic racism and power imbalances in the US and Massachusetts
• Identify how systemic racism sustains inequities

3 CE credits for the following program are available through this course:

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors

• MA Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment is authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to sponsor, conduct or approve continuing education programs for alcohol and drug counselors/assistants (LADCs).

Instructor Bio: 

Instructor: Jennifer Masdea, MPH (she/her) is the Health and Racial Equity Training Director at Health Resources in Action (HRiA). Ms. Masdea holds over 15 years of public health experience in various capacities including training and technical assistance, community engagement, strategic planning, program evaluation, and project management. Ms. Masdea dedicates her unique skillset toward integrating racial equity and public health practice. Ms. Masdea has worked with several clients in the public sector striving to advance health and racial equity including the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the City of Boston, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Lincoln County Health and Human Services, and the Oregon Health Authority. Ms. Masdea holds an MPH from the Boston University School of Public Health and a BA from the University of Massachusetts Boston.