What is Health Equity?—Starter Kit

Jun 27, 2019 | Resources, Uncategorized

Health is a fundamental human right. Yet many still experience inequities in accessing care, in health outcomes, and in the social determinants of health. Any efforts to address these inequities need to begin with a shared understanding of “health equity.” The following definition from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, adapted by many organizations, can be a useful starting point:
“Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. This requires removing obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and their consequences, including powerlessness and lack of access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education and housing, safe environments, and health care.”

Resources

REPORT: What is Health Equity? 

Health centers need shared language and definitions to understand health equity. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation compiled this report, which includes definitions and key steps to advancing health equity, as part of their work toward building a “culture of health.”  

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FACT SHEET: Creating the Healthiest Nation: Advancing Health Equity

The American Public Health Association (APHA) outlines six key principles for advancing health equity:

  • Be Explicit
  • Identify and Effectively Address Racism and Racial Implicit Biases.
  • Adopt a “Health in all Policies” Approach.
  • Create an Internal Organization-Wide Culture of Equity.
  • Respect and Involve Communities in Health Equity Initiatives.
  • Measure and Evaluate Progress in Reducing Health Disparities.
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VIDEO: Dr. Camara Jones Explains the Cliff of Good Health

Dr. Camara Jones describes how health disparities develop, and how we can start to address them through the analogy of “the cliff of good health.” 

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More from Dr. Camara Jones — Achieving Health Equity: Tools for a National Campaign Against Racism

Report: National Stakeholder Strategy for Achieving Health Equity

This report from the Office of Minority Health provides a common set of goals and objectives to help racial and ethnic minorities — and other underserved groups. The strategy consists of ideas, suggestions and comments from thousands of individuals and organizations across the country.

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ARTICLE: Health Equity Must Be a Strategic Priority

This article explores the imperative of prioritizing health equity, making it a core strategy, and requiring commitment and collaboration from people in all parts of the health care system as well as those in other sectors. 

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Further Reading

 

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