March 2021: Understanding Health Equity
Foundational Practices of Health Equity:
- Expand Understanding of Health in Words and Actions
- Assess and Influence the Policy Context
- Lead with an Equity Lens
- Use Data to Advance Health Equity
- Advance Equity Through Continuous Learning
- Actively Engage Multiple Partners
- Assure Strategic and Targeted Use of Resources
Resources Shared:
Health Equity Discussion Guide:
What is Health Equity and Health Inequity?
The term, health equity, is often used to describe the services, situations, and environments that focus on health outcomes being equal for all individuals. Health equity is defined as the “attainment of the highest level of health for all people.” [1] In order to achieve health equity, the focus should be on equal outcomes instead of equal or inputs; this often requires providers, planners, community leaders, and workers in the public health system to focus on equity rather than equality and fairness. [1]
Authentic Community Engagement:
Voices for Racial Justice defines authentic community engagement as the intentional process of co-creating solutions to inequities in partnership with people who know the barriers to opportunities the best because of their own personal experiences. It is grounded in building relationships based on mutual respect and that acknowledge each person’s added value to the developing of solutions. [2]
Questions to Consider:
Please see the attached document for questions to consider when making decisions that have the potential to impact groups of people.