Empowering Communities through Legal Advocacy for Health Equity
Who We Are
Health Justice Initiative (HJI) is a community-driven public health and legal-medical nonprofit organization that aims to promote healthcare equity by leveraging the law at the individual, community, and systemic levels. We provide litigation and mediation services at no or low-cost for individuals and families experiencing poverty or low income; we organize groups and communities by raising awareness about rights, legal procedures, and government policy; and we aim to advocate for fair and just policy at various institutional and government levels to promote more equitable healthcare for all.
How We Help
HJI provides free or low-cost legal assistance to those who have experienced discrimination, denial of care, language barriers, medical debt, and lack of access to insurance or other resources relating to lack of access to medical care.
The Problem
Households with incomes below the poverty level face significant barriers in accessing quality healthcare due to systemic and structural inequities.
These barriers include discrimination, denial of care, language barriers, medical debt, and lack of access to insurance or other resources.
It disproportionately affects people of color, resulting in poorer health outcomes, higher healthcare costs, and greater healthcare disparities. This has a significant impact on the physical and mental health of people of color and contributes to the broader health disparities in our society.
The Solution
HJI provides free or low-cost legal assistance and navigational support to medically underserved New Yorkers facing systemic barriers to care.
We deliver Direct Legal Services through client representation and community-based clinics staffed by pro bono attorneys and law students. Our Education and Awareness programs share with the community “Know-Your-Rights” workshops, health insurance enrollment clinics, and trained Community Health Navigators.
HJI is also expanding into Policy, advocating with City and State legislators to address disparate health outcomes and the impact of medical debt on our community.
What We Do
Legal Advocacy
Direct Representation: Comprehensive legal counsel for individuals and families facing health-related legal issues.
Community Clinics: Access to legal expertise through drop-in legal clinics.
Medical-Legal Support: Specialized assistance with medical proxies, power of attorney, and healthcare-related disputes.
Community Engagement
Rights Education: “Know-Your-Rights” workshops and materials.
Resource Navigation: Direct assistance with Medicaid, Medicare, and marketplace insurance enrollment.
Professional Training: Piloting our Community Health Navigator program.
Policy Advocacy
Legislative Assessment: Reviewing and monitoring proposed laws that impact healthcare consumers and equity.
State and Local Advocacy: Educating New York City and State legislators on medical debt and health disparities.
Systemic Reform: Promoting data-driven policy changes to improve health outcomes for historically marginalized New Yorkers.
Since launching in June 2025, HJI has delivered health resources, legal support, and community-based care to New Yorkers.
Our work, by the numbers (updated monthly).
Join HJI Contacts List
Subscribe to the HJI e-newsletter to learn about HJI updates and upcoming volunteer opportunities, such as health advocate training, events, and internships.
