Secretary Xavier Becerra Emphasizes Health Equity in San Diego County as ARPA-H Promotes Innovative Health Solutions

Xavier Becerra, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, visited San Diego County to promote health care equity as part of his National Latino Health Tour. During the visit, he emphasized the importance of addressing health inequities faced by Latinos and communities of color by collaborating with community partners and health care systems.

ARPA-H, a federal agency established in 2022 that funds innovative health approaches, hosted the event at San Diego State University. Becerra highlighted the importance of issues like cancer, which is the leading cause of death among Latinos, and stressed the need for inclusive clinical trials to ensure that everyone benefits from research advancements. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that clinical trial participation is accessible to all individuals regardless of their location.

ARPA-H Director Renee Wegrzyn also emphasized the agency’s focus on women’s health, announcing a $100 million investment in women’s health research. Wegrzyn noted that many women struggle to prioritize their health due to family and work responsibilities, prompting the agency to innovate new ways to deliver healthcare services directly to the home. ARPA-H has already provided more than $10 million in funding to projects in San Diego County, reflecting their commitment to addressing health disparities at the local level.