Bassett focuses policy on advancing health equity

Dr. Mary Bassett, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, talks about her efforts to transform public policy through the pursuit of health equity streategies. For more than 30 years,  Dr. Bassett has dedicated her career to advancing health equity, both domestically and across the globe. She spent 17 years in Zimbabwe working to develop a range of AIDS prevention interventions. As Deputy Health Commissioner she directed initiatives such as the bans on smoking and trans fat in restaurants. Since she became commissioner a year ago, Dr. Bassett has emphasized policies aimed at reducing health disparities through targeting neighborhoods with the highest needs and collaborating with community groups and agencies across the city. She spoke recently at the CUNY Graduate Center.