The Task Force serves as an advisory board to the mayor by placing public health issues high on the political agenda of the city and establishing new partnerships that build community capacity to address health disparities. The Task Force is a comprehensive effort by community activists to move Lawrence forward as a healthy city in the broadest possible terms.
The Mayor's Health Task Force brings members together to address public concerns through community education and awareness, developing strategic plans through research, needs assessment, and prioritizing action steps and funding. Currently, MHTF is addressing the major plans though five different initiatives: career disparities, new research, men's and women's health, youth department, and mental health services.
The Task Force focuses on the following areas:
- Addressing major health issues including socio-economic and environmental conditions that affect the health of Lawrence residents
- Advocating for health policies that address health disparities
- Providing a platform for active participation of citizen groups in community health assessment to address and improve quality of life outcomes
- Developing collaboratives to address public health and mental health priorities
- Providing technical assistance to local service providers
- Advocating for social justice