Basis of Health Equity

Understanding Health Equity in America

Health equity has been a consistent problem in the United States. It is described as the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. Even so, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) have higher death rates and are at higher risk of disease. Health disparities, such as unequal access to healthcare and resources, can lead to negative outcomes for marginalized communities. Health equity is about ensuring that everyone has equal access to healthcare and the opportunity to live a healthy life. It is deeply tied to the principle of social justice, which advocates for fairness and equal opportunities. Promoting health equity is a way to address these injustices and create a more just society.

Equity vs. Equality in Healthcare

First and foremost, it's important to define the difference between equity and equality. Equality is the idea that everyone should always be treated the same despite differences. On the other hand, equity recognizes that in some circumstances, people need to be treated differently in order to be treated fairly. In healthcare, it is important to ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to achieve good health. It goes beyond simply providing equal access to healthcare as it addresses the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to health disparities. This distinction is a matter of social justice.

The Role of Social Determinants of Health

One of the key aspects of health equity is addressing the social determinants of health. These are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and they have a significant impact on health outcomes. Factors such as income, education, employment, housing, and access to healthcare all play a role in determining a person's health status. Studies have shown that these non-medical factors can outweigh clinical care when it comes to predicting health. By addressing these social determinants, we can work toward achieving health equity.

Providing Tailored and Just Healthcare

Health equity is not only about equality in healthcare, it is also about making sure that those who need it receive the best possible care they deserve. It emphasizes the principle that every person deserves the right to live a healthy life, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, gender, or any other social determinant of health. This means tailoring healthcare delivery to meet the needs of different populations, particularly those who have been historically underserved or marginalized.

Collaboration for a Healthier Future

Achieving health equity requires collaboration and action at multiple levels. It involves policymakers, healthcare providers, community organizations, and individuals working together to create supportive environments and policies that promote health for all. This can include initiatives such as expanding access to affordable healthcare, improving health education and literacy, and implementing strategies to reduce health disparities in underserved communities. Community engagement and culturally competent care are key strategies in making equity a reality.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Justice in Health

In conclusion, health equity is about ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to achieve good health and well-being. By addressing the social determinants of health, dismantling systemic inequities, and promoting collaboration and action, we can work toward a society where everyone has an equal opportunity to live a healthy life. It is not just a public health goal, it is a moral imperative and a step toward justice. life.

Sources

Braveman, Paula, et al. What Is Health Equity? And What Difference Does a Definition Make? Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2017, https://www.rwjf.org/en/library/research/2017/05/what-is-health-equity-.html.

Artiga, Samantha, and Elizabeth Hinton. "Beyond Health Care: The Role of Social Determinants in Promoting Health and Health Equity." KFF, 13 May 2021, https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/beyond-health-care-the-role-of-social-determinants-in-promoting-health-and-health-equity/.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Health Equity.” CDC, 3 Jan. 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/index.html.

Yearby, Ruqaiijah. “Race, Racism, and the Law: Structural Racism and Health Disparities.” Health Affairs, 10 Oct. 2018, https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/forefront.20181010.003980.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity. The National Academies Press, 2017, https://doi.org/10.17226/24624.

Williams, David R., and Lisa A. Cooper. "Reducing Racial Inequities in Health: Using What We Already Know to Take Action." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 16, no. 4, 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6407858/.

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board