Health Equity Gala 2026

Mission Statement of the Health Equity Gala

Inspired by Dr. Paul Farmer's unwavering commitment to global health equity, our gala celebrates the power of solidarity in advancing heathcare as a human right. Together, we honor his legacy by mobilizing resoures, amplifying community voices, and driving sustainable solutions to ensure quality care for all. 

What is the Health Equity Gala?

The University of Michigan’s chapter of Partners in Health Engage is proud to host the inaugural Health Equity Gala, an evening dedicated to advancing awareness and collaboration in the fight for global health justice. As a student-led chapter of the internationally renowned Partners in Health organization, we are committed to advocating for equitable healthcare solutions, amplifying marginalized voices, and inspiring systemic change.

This gala stems from a rich history of grassroots movements that recognize healthcare as a human right, not a privilege. Founded on the belief that every individual deserves access to quality healthcare regardless of socioeconomic status, our chapter has consistently worked to uphold this vision through advocacy, education, and service. The gala represents a new chapter in our mission: uniting campus organizations and community members around the shared goal of addressing critical global and public health challenges.

The Health Equity Gala serves as a platform to spotlight the disparities in healthcare access, particularly in the context of an evolving political landscape where conservative policies may threaten progress in public health equity. The hard-won advancements in public and global health are under active threat as the current administration moves to defund essential health programs, restrict access to care, and deprioritize global health initiatives. Now more than ever, it is critical that we stand firm in advocating for the continuation of these efforts, ensuring that decades of progress are not undone.

By bringing together a diverse coalition of public health and global health organizations on campus, we aim to foster dialogue, share resources, and build actionable strategies to combat these disparities. We invite you to join us in celebrating the power of collective action and the potential for transformative change. Together, we can advocate for a more equitable world and ensure that health is prioritized as a universal human right.

Event Logistics

Date: March 29th, 2026

Time: 7 to 9 PM

Place: Michigan Union Pendleton

Ticket: $15 per attendee

Dress Code: Formal

Description of Event: 

Join us for an inspiring evening focused on advancing health equity both domestically and globally. Distinguished speakers will share their strategies for driving meaningful change, offering insights into innovative approaches that address health disparities.

In addition to our speakers, we will host a student panel featuring the campus organizations below, which are actively working to promote health equity. Panelists will discuss their initiatives, progress, and challenges while exploring effective strategies for making a lasting impact. The panel will also include a Q&A session, providing an opportunity for audience members to engage in the conversation and contribute their perspectives.

Enjoy an evening of thought-provoking discussions, great food, and drinks—bring a date and be part of this exciting event!

Acknowledgement of Event Funding and Donors