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health equity

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Table of Contents

Overview

Definition of Health Equity

is defined as the commitment to ensuring that every individual has a fair opportunity to attain their highest level of health, regardless of factors outside their control, such as social and conditions.[6.1] It emphasizes the importance of valuing, rectifying, and redistributing resources according to need, thereby enabling everyone to reach their full potential for health and .[7.1] The concept of health equity is multidimensional and has been recognized internationally as an essential element for the development of .[4.1] Health equity refers to the state in which every individual has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health, regardless of factors outside of their control.[8.1] This concept emphasizes the importance of addressing and inequities that arise from , which can significantly impact overall well-being.[8.1] By promoting health equity, we aim to create an environment where all individuals can achieve their best , thereby fostering a more just and equitable health landscape.[6.1]

Importance of Health Equity

Health equity is crucial for ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to attain their highest level of health, which is influenced by various social determinants. Effective for mobilizing community members to advocate for health equity include creating workforce training and living-wage jobs, improving , and enhancing access to safe green spaces and healthy food options. These initiatives not only aim to increase employment and reduce debt among community residents but also foster community and participation in the , thereby enriching the overall in disadvantaged areas.[9.1] Qualitative studies indicate that successful health improvement efforts require specific attributes such as strong leadership, , a shared vision, and diversified funding strategies. These elements are essential for organizing and mobilizing communities towards health equity.[10.1] Furthermore, engaging lay individuals from disadvantaged communities in research and intervention implementation is vital. This approach aligns with and community-based participatory research, emphasizing the importance of community expertise in identifying targeted strategies to advance health equity.[11.1] Cultural beliefs and significantly shape individuals' perceptions of health and access to healthcare resources. For instance, cultural competence among healthcare providers is essential for delivering services that meet the diverse needs of patients. This competence can improve patient outcomes and foster a more positive healthcare environment.[17.1] Additionally, addressing modifiable determinants of health, such as , employment, and social status, is critical for developing appropriate and acceptable healthcare services for communities.[14.1] Historical policies have also played a significant role in shaping current health disparities. For example, Medicaid and the Children’s Program (CHIP) have provided essential health coverage to low-income individuals, influencing access to care and funding for healthcare services.[19.1] Understanding these historical contexts can inform future public health initiatives aimed at promoting health equity.[18.1] Overall, the integration of culturally informed and the recognition of social determinants are fundamental to advancing health equity and improving health outcomes for all populations.

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History

Key Milestones in Health Equity

The concept of health equity has evolved significantly over time, with several key milestones marking its development. The origins of health equity can be traced back to the mid-nineteenth century, particularly through the work of pioneers such as Rudolf Virchow, Friedrich Engels, and Andrija Stampar. These individuals recognized that social and class inequalities were fundamental contributors to , laying the groundwork for future discussions on the topic.[2.1] A pivotal moment in the of health equity occurred during the World Health Organization's (WHO) Conference on in Alma-Ata in 1978. This conference strongly endorsed the concept of health equity, launching the "Health for All" campaign, which implicitly prioritized health equity for all countries. The Alma-Ata Declaration emphasized that health is not only a fundamental but also a crucial component of social and .[3.1] The historical context of health equity is further illustrated by examining the impact of systemic inequalities, such as those seen in the 1930s when racist redlining practices limited and mortgage access for Black Americans. These discriminatory practices have had lasting effects on health outcomes, demonstrating how historical continue to influence health disparities today.[49.1] In recent decades, a growing number of organizations and governments have committed to eliminating health inequities, similar to the WHO's initiatives. However, the has starkly revealed the persistent and brutal health disparities that exist both between countries and within individual regions, highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving health equity.[68.1] Health inequities are characterized by differences in health status among different , arising from the in which individuals are born, live, work, and age. These are evident across all income levels, with low-resource settings particularly vulnerable to the financial burdens of noncommunicable diseases.[69.1] To address these challenges, recommendations have emerged that include funding research to measure and combat racism within healthcare systems, promoting anti-racist practices, and synthesizing best practices to mitigate health disparities. Collaborative efforts to research and address inequities in access to care are essential for advancing health equity.[70.1]

Evolution of Health Equity Policies

The Alma Ata Declaration of 1978 marked a pivotal moment in health equity policies by shifting the focus from traditional medical care, which emphasized doctors and hospitals, to a broader approach that includes , , and community participation in health initiatives.[50.1] Although the ambitious goal of "Health for All" by 2000 was not fully achieved, the declaration laid the groundwork for universal health coverage (UHC) and has continued to influence various , including the (SDGs) and the Astana Declaration of 2018, which reaffirmed a global commitment to primary health care (PHC).[52.1] Furthermore, the Alma Ata Declaration prompted a series of policy programs and initiatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and national governments in the years that followed, demonstrating its powerful influence on health equity initiatives worldwide.[53.1] In various countries, the tenets of the Alma Ata Declaration have been instrumental in shaping national health policies. For instance, Nepal's 2015 enshrined basic health services, safe motherhood, women's , and children's health as fundamental rights, reflecting the declaration's influence on health equity initiatives.[51.1] Furthermore, the declaration prompted a series of policy programs and initiatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and national governments, demonstrating its lasting impact on health equity.[53.1] The historical context of health disparities has also played a crucial role in shaping contemporary health equity initiatives. The legacy of racial health disparities, rooted in systemic inequalities, has necessitated a focus on community participation and co-created public health actions. Research indicates that co-created public health initiatives can effectively reduce health inequities and promote , highlighting the importance of involving communities in decision-making processes.[56.1] Additionally, addressing health disparities requires a commitment to financing and that prioritize equity, as emphasized by various health organizations.[57.1] Rudolf Ludwig Carl Virchow (1821-1902) was a prominent German physician, pathologist, and politician, often referred to as "the father of modern " due to his significant contributions to medical science, particularly in discrediting the concept of humorism and advancing public health.[59.1] He is also recognized as the founder of social medicine, a field that integrates social factors into health care, emphasizing that health is influenced by both biological and social determinants.[60.1] Virchow's for social medicine played a crucial role in promoting public health improvements in the 19th century, and his work continues to inform contemporary approaches to health equity.[61.1]

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Social Determinants Of Health

Impact on Health Outcomes

Social determinants of health (SDH) significantly influence health outcomes by shaping the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, work, live, and age. These determinants encompass a wide range of factors, including , education, employment, social support networks, and access to healthcare, all of which can lead to health inequities—unfair and avoidable differences in health status within and between populations.[86.1] Research indicates that these social determinants can have a more profound impact on health than healthcare access or individual lifestyle choices.[85.1] Addressing SDH is crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities. Interventions aimed at enhancing housing standards, alleviating food and economic insecurity, and increasing have been shown to promote better health in communities.[87.1] For instance, the Healthy People initiative outlines five domains—Economic , Education, Health and Health Care, Neighborhood and , and Social and Community Context—where targeted actions can effectively address social determinants and improve health equity.[87.1] Furthermore, , who face barriers related to social, economic, political, and , are at a heightened risk for poor health outcomes.[100.1] Policies that ensure equitable access to resources and services are essential in mitigating these risks. For example, Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) have increasingly been required to screen beneficiaries for social needs and provide referrals to social services, highlighting the growing recognition of the importance of addressing social determinants in healthcare.[101.1]

Strategies for Addressing Social Determinants

Addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) is crucial for advancing health equity, and various strategies have emerged from grassroots initiatives and community-driven efforts. These strategies emphasize the importance of data-driven approaches, leadership commitment, multidisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement to improve health equity outcomes. The experiences of participating organizations highlight that these elements are essential for effective interventions in underserved communities.[89.1] Community partnerships play a significant role in addressing SDOH, as they can drive reciprocal improvements in , which is critical for advancing health equity. Such partnerships enable health departments to enhance community resilience through collaborative efforts.[91.1] Furthermore, community-driven health initiatives prioritize engagement and ownership, which are vital for success. Research indicates that these initiatives can effectively improve health outcomes and reduce disparities, particularly by addressing the underlying social determinants of disparities.[92.1] To assess the effectiveness of current health policies in addressing SDOH, regular evaluations that incorporate community perspectives are essential. Tools like the Equity Assessment Framework for and Policies assist policymakers in identifying potential issues in the drafting, , or implementation of that may disproportionately impact different population groups.[95.1] This framework encourages a careful examination of policies and processes to advance health equity.[94.1] Moreover, implementing evidence-based health interventions requires adapting strategies to overcome financial and structural barriers often encountered in real-world settings. Community-based organizations (CBOs) must navigate these challenges to ensure sustainable health improvements.[106.1] interventions, such as , have emerged as potential solutions to address barriers related to geographic vastness and environmental resources, particularly in rural areas.[107.1] Finally, co-created public health actions that involve community participation throughout the decision-making process offer opportunities to reduce and promote social change. However, further efforts are needed to ensure that communities are actively involved in all stages of these initiatives.[109.1] By employing these strategies, stakeholders can work towards effectively addressing the social determinants of health and fostering greater health equity.

Recent Advancements

Recent advancements in health equity have focused on addressing systemic disparities and enhancing access to care through innovative frameworks and community engagement strategies. A significant development is the establishment of the Digital Health Care Equity Framework (DHEF), which aims to ensure that digital health tools are accessible and beneficial to all communities. This framework was created through a collaborative process involving experts and is designed to help stakeholders assess and address equity throughout the digital health care lifecycle.[132.1] In addition to technological advancements, the Centers for and Prevention (CDC) has made strides in embedding health equity into public health initiatives. In 2023, the CDC introduced a health equity Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) template and checklist, which guides various CDC centers and offices in incorporating strategies to reduce health disparities, particularly for marginalized populations.[131.1] This initiative is part of a broader effort to advance health equity in and other critical areas.[129.1] Community engagement has emerged as a vital component in addressing health disparities. Effective strategies include community-based participatory research (CBPR), which emphasizes and mobilization to focus on population-level changes.[139.1] Furthermore, community programs that cater to the unique needs of specific populations, such as Native Hawaiian and Tribal communities, have proven effective in reducing .[143.1] These collaborations unite various sectors, including community organizations and health systems, to create comprehensive solutions.[143.1] Moreover, the role of community engagement is evolving to include more equitable compensation for community members involved in health initiatives. This approach not only fosters but also enhances the quality and of services.[144.1] By prioritizing community-defined problems and metrics of success, health equity initiatives can better reflect the needs and voices of marginalized groups.[142.1]

Innovations in Health Equity Practices

Innovative approaches to health equity practices have gained traction, particularly through the use of telehealth, which has significant potential to improve healthcare access for . Today, 85% of the population has access to a smart device, yet many individuals still lack access to safe and effective healthcare. Telehealth can serve as a vital resource by addressing barriers such as transportation needs, distance from specialty providers, time off work, and childcare responsibilities.[133.1] Furthermore, telehealth can enhance continuity of care for patients with chronic health conditions and reduce costs associated with transportation and babysitting, as well as minimize work absences and the stress related to waiting rooms.[135.1] However, it is important to acknowledge that while telemedicine may help reduce disparities by addressing geographic and financial barriers, engagement remains limited for populations adversely affected by social determinants of health (SDOH).[134.1] Moreover, the use of applications has been transformative, particularly for women in developing countries who face challenges in accessing maternal and reproductive healthcare. These applications facilitate constant between patients and healthcare providers, allowing for remote and personalized health information, which is crucial for improving health outcomes in marginalized communities.[136.1] Community-centered partnerships and innovative have also been identified as effective methods to mitigate health disparities. These approaches involve collaboration among community members, health systems, and public health organizations, which can lead to powerful results in addressing the unique needs of excluded or marginalized groups.[162.1] Community-based participatory research further enhances health equity by fostering long-term partnerships that focus on local health issues, promoting co-learning, and ensuring that research findings are relevant and actionable for community members.[161.1] Despite these advancements, challenges persist in implementing health equity initiatives at the grassroots level. Structural obstacles, such as a lack of diversity in decision-making and inconsistent practices, hinder progress.[163.1] Addressing these challenges requires a commitment to community engagement and collaboration across various sectors to create meaningful change and improve health outcomes for all populations.[162.1]

Health Disparities

Understanding Health Disparities

Health disparities refer to preventable differences in health outcomes experienced by specific populations, often linked to factors such as , , socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare. The Office of Health Equity in the United States defines health disparities as the preventable factors and differences that disproportionately certain people and groups, including higher rates of diseases such as , , and heart disease among marginalized communities.[172.1] These disparities are closely associated with intergenerational social, economic, and environmental disadvantages, particularly affecting racial and ethnic minorities and individuals with low socioeconomic status.[174.1] The lack of consensus on the definitions of "health disparities," "," and "health equity" can have significant implications for public health initiatives and .[173.1] Until the release of Healthy People 2020 in 2010, federal agencies defined health disparities in broad terms, which limited the specificity needed for effective interventions.[171.1] A more precise understanding of these terms is essential for measuring and addressing the disparities that exist within various population groups. Social determinants of health (SDoH) play a critical role in influencing health outcomes and disparities. These determinants encompass a range of factors, including economic stability, education, social and community context, healthcare access, and the neighborhood environment, which collectively impact approximately 80% of health outcomes.[183.1] Addressing SDoH requires a multifaceted approach that includes community engagement, collaboration, and the development of partnerships across sectors to effectively tackle the underlying conditions contributing to health disparities.[182.1] Data disaggregation is another vital aspect of understanding health disparities. By breaking down into more specific categories, such as race and ethnicity, researchers can identify differences in health outcomes and resource access among various populations.[200.1] The ongoing lack of disaggregated data perpetuates existing inequities, making it difficult to track problems and design culturally relevant health interventions.[201.1] High-quality, disaggregated data is essential for monitoring health disparities and guiding the development of targeted public health strategies.[202.1]

Efforts to Eliminate Health Disparities

Efforts to eliminate health disparities have increasingly recognized the importance of community engagement and participatory methods, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, anticipating the heightened health disparities and inequities that would affect the Latinx community, clinicians at Duke University convened a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss a coordinated approach to address these issues.[175.1] This initiative highlights the need for innovative strategies, as conventional approaches have historically failed to significantly improve health status or reduce among marginalized populations.[176.1] By employing community-based participatory methods, stakeholders can better engage local populations in health initiatives, ultimately aiming to enhance health outcomes and address the unique needs of these communities.[176.1] The World Health Organization (WHO) has also recognized the importance of community engagement in promoting health and well-being. Initiatives such as the CONNECT program, developed by the Lao Ministry of Health, demonstrate how and community involvement can lead to equitable access to public health services.[177.1] These examples underscore the broader trend of integrating community participation into public health strategies to achieve more favorable health outcomes. Ethical frameworks play a crucial role in shaping public health policies aimed at reducing health disparities. Various , including contractarian, Kantian, and utilitarian , provide a moral foundation for addressing health inequities, emphasizing the need for fair distribution of resources and inclusive decision-making processes.[181.1] For instance, the American Medical Association (AMA) has established policies that frame the provision of healthcare services as an ethical obligation of society, advocating for payment models that specifically target health inequities.[179.1] Efforts to eliminate health disparities have increasingly focused on addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) as a vital component of public health strategies. The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and (NCCDPHP) emphasizes that state and local policies can play a crucial role in ensuring equitable protection from health risks, such as , by implementing measures like limiting access to tobacco products, creating smoke-free public spaces, and mandating health insurance coverage for cessation treatments.[185.1] Furthermore, research on the effects of Civil Rights policies highlights that improvements in employment and income have led to significant increases in , particularly among Black populations, suggesting that employment interventions can effectively reduce health disparities.[186.1] Specifically, studies indicate that employment initiatives targeting vulnerable groups, including low socioeconomic status women and individuals with severe mental illness, have shown promise in enhancing quality of life and social support, thereby contributing to the reduction of health disparities in these populations.[186.1] California's Health in All Policies (HiAP) Task Force exemplifies a successful aimed at improving health equity. Established in 2010, the task force was charged with recommending strategies that not only enhance public health but also address environmental and social factors contributing to health disparities.[188.1] This comprehensive approach highlights the importance of multi-sector collaboration in developing effective interventions to reduce health inequities.

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Health Equity Frameworks

Healthy People Initiatives

The Healthy People initiatives emphasize the importance of utilizing data to identify health disparities and inform policy changes that promote health equity within communities. Organizations are encouraged to analyze their patient population data to uncover differences in care provided to various groups, which can help identify potential health care disparities.[212.1] To effectively tailor health equity frameworks to community needs, developing a Driver Diagram for each priority health area identified in the Assessment (CHA) is beneficial. This approach allows for the identification of primary and secondary drivers, as well as specific interventions that various community stakeholders can contribute to achieve improvements in priority areas.[223.1] Additionally, a variety of tools and strategies are available to address health equity, including making the case for health equity, meeting information needs, and adopting logic models or theories of change. The National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities Toolkit for Community Action serves as a resource to raise awareness about health disparities, engage stakeholders in discussions about solutions, and provide actionable tools for individuals and organizations to address health issues in their communities.[224.1] Building trust within communities is also crucial for advancing health equity. Those conducting Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) must be prepared to address the social needs of community members that are identified during the assessment process.[225.1] Furthermore, a closer examination of health equity reveals the need for culturally responsive care for marginalized and vulnerable populations, highlighting the importance of structural competence in addressing these disparities.[226.1]

Regulatory and Policy Frameworks

Regulatory and play a crucial role in advancing health equity by addressing social determinants of health (SDoH) and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that equity necessitates the "fair distribution of benefits and burdens," advocating for public health programs that provide additional support to the most vulnerable populations.[206.1] A science- and justice-based framework for promoting health equity has been developed, focusing on three foundational concepts: equity at the core of health outcomes, multiple interacting spheres of influence, and a historical and life-course perspective.[205.1] Data-driven approaches are essential for identifying health disparities and informing policy changes that promote health equity within communities. When health equity initiatives are grounded in data and target health-related social needs (HRSNs) through scalable strategies, healthcare organizations can drive meaningful change, improving patient outcomes while controlling costs and optimizing resources.[207.1] The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recognized the importance of health equity data collection, outlining a plan to enhance data efforts across its programs to achieve health equity.[211.1] This commitment includes expanding the collection and analysis of standardized sociodemographic and SDoH data, which is vital for improving population health.[211.1] Community engagement is another critical component of effective health equity frameworks. Culturally informed community engagement, which incorporates principles of health equity and leverages existing community assets, can enhance recruitment and satisfaction in health research, ultimately fostering stronger connections between researchers and historically marginalized communities.[220.1] Successful policies often emerge from collaborations that focus on upstream approaches to SDoH, such as creating living-wage jobs, improving affordable housing, and enhancing access to safe green spaces.[222.1] Moreover, legislative measures have increasingly recognized racism as a public health crisis, with over 300 local and state jurisdictions declaring such a stance as of December 2022.[234.1] These legislative trends reflect a growing acknowledgment of the need for policies that address systemic inequities and promote health equity. The ability of initiatives like Healthy People 2030 to measure success in achieving health equity will depend on ongoing surveillance of health inequalities and effective enforcement of health policies.[235.1]

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Challenges In Achieving Health Equity

Systemic Barriers

Systemic barriers to achieving health equity are multifaceted and deeply entrenched within the healthcare system. Despite the World Health Organization's assertion in 1948 that health is a fundamental right for all individuals, significant disparities in healthcare access and delivery persist, particularly in the United States. These disparities are influenced by a variety of factors at both individual and population levels, complicating efforts to achieve equitable healthcare outcomes.[249.1] One of the primary challenges is the lack of an equity lens in , which can lead to the unintentional creation of policies that exacerbate health disparities. This includes insufficient public feedback during policy formulation, which often overlooks the needs of marginalized communities.[248.1] Furthermore, the absence of comprehensive data collection on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status hinders the ability to document and understand these disparities effectively. The Affordable Care Act has made strides in improving data collection, yet gaps remain that prevent a full understanding of how these factors influence health outcomes.[251.1] Healthcare providers also face challenges in delivering culturally sensitive care, which is essential for addressing the diverse needs of patients. involves recognizing and respecting the varied beliefs and practices of patients, which can significantly impact their health outcomes. Without adequate training and resources, healthcare providers may struggle to offer care that resonates with marginalized populations, thereby perpetuating inequities.[286.1] Moreover, the fragmentation of care often experienced by marginalized populations presents another systemic barrier. Interoperability between healthcare systems and community organizations is crucial for ensuring that these populations receive comprehensive care that addresses both medical and social determinants of health. However, many individuals navigate a fragmented system that complicates their access to necessary services.[265.1]

Societal and Economic Factors

Lower levels of health equity are closely linked to adverse local contexts, which often serve as proxies for structural racism. This relationship underscores the significant role that social and economic factors play in exacerbating geographic health inequalities in the United States.[252.1] Socioeconomic status (SES) is a critical determinant of health outcomes, influencing the well-being of individuals and families. Research indicates that disparities in SES contribute to health inequities, particularly within family contexts, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.[253.1] Studies have shown that individuals with lower SES experience diminished healthcare quality and accessibility compared to their higher SES counterparts. For instance, participants from lower SES backgrounds reported lower satisfaction with healthcare services, which was influenced by factors such as interactions with medical staff and wait times.[254.1] Furthermore, data from various national health surveys reveal that Black and Hispanic populations exhibit higher rates of poor health across all socioeconomic categories compared to their White and Asian counterparts, indicating a persistent linked to SES.[255.1] Addressing these intertwined issues of SES and structural racism requires comprehensive strategies. Educating healthcare providers about implicit biases and their impact on patient care can help mitigate disparities. Awareness of how patients perceive treatment based on their SES can foster greater and improve healthcare outcomes.[256.1] Additionally, healthcare systems can implement to identify high-risk populations and prioritize resources accordingly, while collaborating with community leaders to develop solutions that reflect the needs of marginalized groups.[257.1]

Future Directions

Emerging trends in health equity emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts across various sectors to address health disparities effectively. Cross-sector partnerships involving practitioners, researchers, and educators are increasingly recognized as vital for improving public health initiatives aimed at achieving equity. These collaborations are designed to reduce health disparities and enhance the overall quality of life for all individuals in the United States, irrespective of their socially determined circumstances.[289.1] research is also gaining prominence as a critical component in advancing health equity. It plays a significant role in identifying and addressing the systemic barriers that contribute to health disparities, thereby informing policies that promote equitable health outcomes.[290.1] Furthermore, promoting health equity necessitates a sustained societal commitment to confront both historical and contemporary injustices, which is essential for eliminating health disparities.[291.1] In recent years, organizations such as the CDC have developed frameworks and resources to embed health equity into public health initiatives. For instance, the CDC's Office of Health Equity introduced a health equity Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) template and checklist to guide the integration of equity strategies into funded initiatives. This approach aims to ensure that public health programs effectively address the needs of minoritized and stigmatized populations.[292.1] Educational institutions are also adapting their curricula to incorporate health equity principles. Strategies include retrofitting core curricula with health equity content and evaluating existing health professions courses to ensure they address diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.[294.1] The development of evidence-based tools to measure the integration of health equity concepts into educational programs is considered imperative for achieving these educational goals.[295.1] Moreover, grassroots organizations are increasingly mobilizing community members to advocate for their health needs by integrating health equity into their practices. This grassroots approach recognizes the importance of addressing multiple and fostering community resilience.[301.1]

Role of Technology in Promoting Health Equity

plays a pivotal role in promoting equity by addressing systemic inequities that disproportionately affect marginalized populations. Digital health (DHTs) are increasingly recognized for their potential to bridge gaps in health outcomes and enhance access to healthcare services for diverse communities.[310.1] To effectively leverage these technologies, it is essential to focus on various aspects of the digital health , including the design, development, deployment, and evaluation of health tools, as well as their interactions with end-users and the broader healthcare system.[311.1] The collection and of data are critical components in this process. Accurate and comprehensive data on social determinants of health, demographics, and socio-economic status are necessary to inform health equity initiatives.[312.1] The integration of (EHRs) provides a unique opportunity to gather this information on a large scale, although challenges remain in standardizing terminology and ensuring equitable access to data across different healthcare settings.[312.1] Efforts by organizations such as the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) aim to identify common health equity data elements that can facilitate the translation of data into actionable strategies for improving health outcomes among populations.[312.1] serves as a powerful tool for advancing health equity by generating evidence-based insights that guide policy decisions, resource allocation, and intervention strategies aimed at reducing health disparities.[313.1] States are increasingly utilizing data analytics to collect and analyze social determinants of health (SDOH) data through various sources, including community health assessments and managed care organization assessments.[314.1] Many states have incorporated SDOH requirements into Medicaid managed care contracts, thereby enhancing their reporting capabilities and integrating strategies to address health disparities.[314.1] This trend reflects a growing recognition of the importance of data-driven approaches in promoting health equity and ensuring that healthcare systems are responsive to the needs of all populations.

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References

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primescholars

https://www.primescholars.com/articles/the-history-of-health-equity-concept-and-vision.pdf

[2] PDF Early Declarations and Discussions of Health Equity The origins of the concept of health equity can be found in the history of social medicine, especially since the mid-nineteenth century. Men such as Rudolf Virchow, Friedrich Engels, Andrija Stampar, and others clearly recognized that social and class inequalities led to inequities in health.

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primescholars

https://www.primescholars.com/articles/the-history-of-health-equity-concept-and-vision-94924.html

[3] The History of Health Equity: Concept and Vision - Prime Scholars The concept of health equity was strongly endorsed by the participants in the World Health Organization's (WHO) Conference on Primary Health Care in Alma-Ata in 1978. The launch of "Health for All" campaign (HFA), implicitly made health equity a priority for all countries . The Alma- Ata Declaration viewed health as part of and an impetus

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov favicon

nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6792226/

[4] The historical roots and seminal research on health equity: a ... Health equity is a multidimensional concept that has been internationally considered as an essential element for health system development. However, our understanding about the root causes of health equity is limited. ... The history of health equity: concept and vision. Diversity & Equality in Health & Care. 2017;14:148-152. [Google Scholar] 19.

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medicalnewstoday

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/health-equity

[6] Health equity: Definition, examples, and action - Medical News Today Health equity means ensuring that every person has the opportunity to achieve their best health, regardless of factors outside of their control. Learn how health equity differs from health equality, what are some examples of health inequities, and how to promote health equity.

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ama-assn

https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/health-equity/what-health-equity

[7] What is health equity? - American Medical Association Health equity is when everyone can attain their full potential for health and well-being, and it requires valuing, rectifying and redistributing resources according to need. The AMA provides resources, policies and education on health equity, racial justice and anti-racism in medicine and society.

health.clevelandclinic.org favicon

clevelandclinic

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-equity

[8] Why Health Equity Matters Health equity is the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. Learn how social determinants of health, health disparities and health inequity affect our health and well-being, and what you can do to promote health equity.

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nih

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425859/

[9] 7 Partners in Promoting Health Equity in Communities For example, their focus is well aligned with upstream approaches relevant to the social determinants of health, such as the creation of workforce training and living-wage jobs with good benefits to increase employment among local residents; building wealth and reducing debt among community residents; creating and improving existing affordable housing; increasing community safety and access to safe green space and parks and affordable healthy food; enriching the presence of and participation in the arts; building advocacy and action capacity among community residents and community-based organizations; and engaging multiple private and public sectors in partnerships.

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nih

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425849/

[10] The Role of Communities in Promoting Health Equity Qualitative and practice-based studies have suggested that certain attributes—including leadership, a backbone or an integrator organization, an infrastructure for collaboration, a common vision, shared language, a strategy for diversifying funding—are required for communities to succeed in health improvement efforts (Community Tool Box, 2016; FSG, 2011, 2013; Hayes et al., 2012; Prybil et al., 2014; Verbitsky-Savitz et al., 2016), and many of these are likely to apply to community efforts to organize and mobilize for health equity as well. Evidence from the sociology of social movements may be useful in this context, given the centrality of community organizing to community-driven change efforts (Skocpol et al., 2000), the nearly three-decades-long Healthy Communities movement (Norris and Pittman, 2000), and the relationship between mobilization for political participation and shared membership in a voluntary organization (Campbell, 2013) such as a community health coalition.

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6951371/

[11] Engaging Community Members to Eradicate Health Disparities Specifically, the authors introduce a methodology for engaging lay individuals from disadvantaged communities in tailoring both the conduct of public health research and the implementation of resulting interventions to better reduce health disparities. Drawing on insights from both deliberative democracy and community-based participatory research, their approach is consistent with a broader trend toward public engagement in research and policy within and beyond the health sphere.4 The case for deliberative approaches to public engagement is arguably especially strong in the context of public health, which, with its focus on populations, often requires government action. The article by Subica and Brown presents a promising approach for advancing this effort by engaging community members and their collective expertise to identify targeted strategies to advance health equity.

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7157616/

[14] The Importance of Understanding Social and Cultural Norms in Delivering ... While some determinants of health are modifiable others are not, in addition it is emphasized that cultural safety in delivering health care is crucial if services provided are to be appropriate and acceptable to health care seekers. Modifiable determinants of health include: education, employment, financial income and social status, physical environment both at work and at leisure, housing and social environment, healthy childhood development, culture and personal and community practices, and availability of health services and social support . In developing and providing health care services it is important to keep in mind a number factors including whether the service being provided is appropriate for the community receiving the service, whether the service is accessible, and finally whether the service is acceptable.

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nih

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493216/

[17] Cultural Religious Competence in Clinical Practice Cultural competence is the ability of health providers and organizations to deliver health care services that meet the cultural, social, and religious needs of patients and their families. Health systems and healthcare providers are developing strategies and techniques to respond to the religious and spiritual needs of patients and families for a number of reasons. When individuals and systems are able to provide a positive environment of cultural competence that meets the religious and spiritual needs of those who are cared for, the outcome for patients improves, and the healthcare system as a whole becomes a more positive environment. Understanding the values and reasons for special requests for healthcare will improve cultural competence and provide culturally sensitive health care that is good for the patient and their families.

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https://ramaonhealthcare.com/how-history-has-shaped-racial-and-ethnic-health-disparities-a-timeline-of-policies-and-events/

[18] How History Has Shaped Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: A Timeline ... This timeline offers a historical view of significant U.S. federal policies and events spanning the early 1800s to today that have influenced present-day health disparities. It covers policies that directly impacted health coverage and access to care, relevant events in medicine, social and economic policies and developments that influence

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https://www.kff.org/how-history-has-shaped-racial-and-ethnic-health-disparities-a-timeline-of-policies-and-events/

[19] How History Has Shaped Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Today, Medicaid, along with the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which was established in 1997, provide health and long-term care coverage to millions of low-income individuals in the U.S. and are a key source of funding for hospitals, community health centers, physicians, and nursing homes. It allows states to receive federal funds for providing Medicaid and CHIP coverage to lawfully residing immigrant children and pregnant people without the five-year waiting period established by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity and Reconciliation Act. Over time, a growing number of states have adopted the ICHIA option for children and pregnant individuals.

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https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/04/24/what-is-health-equity-how-the-idea-grew-and-why-it-matters

[49] What is health equity? How the idea grew - and why it matters It's also why discussions of health equity often include a history lesson. To cite just one example of how events from nearly a century ago can affect health today, in the 1930s, racist redlining by banks limited where Black Americans could live and whether they could get mortgages. To this day, the neighborhoods they were restricted to are

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6307566/

[50] Alma Ata after 40 years: Primary Health Care and Health for All—from ... The Alma Ata Declaration in 1978 expanded the approach to improving health for all people from the focus on doctors, hospitals and biomedical advances to include human rights, concern for equity and community participation.

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globalhealthnow

https://globalhealthnow.org/2018-09/lessons-alma-ata

[51] The Lessons of Alma-Ata - Global Health NOW In view of this, the 10 tenants of the 1978 Alma-Ata Declaration would serve as an important instrument to ensuring universal health care. [For example], Nepal's 2015 Constitution has enshrined basic health services, safe motherhood and women's reproductive health, and children's health as fundamental rights.

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https://ezogdani.com/the-declaration-of-alma-ata-a-milestone-in-global-health/

[52] The Declaration of Alma-Ata: A Milestone in Global Health Although the ambitious goal of "Health for All" by 2000 was not fully achieved, the Alma-Ata Declaration laid the foundation for universal health coverage (UHC) and influenced policies like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Astana Declaration (2018), which reaffirmed global commitment to PHC.

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4212740/

[53] The enduring legacy of Alma Ata: 30 years on - PMC Alma Ata (its short-hand description of the conference and declaration denoting its powerful influence) prompted a series of policy programmes and initiatives from WHO and national governments, over the years that followed.

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10094395/

[56] Addressing Health Disparities through Community Participation: A ... Addressing Health Disparities through Community Participation: A Scoping Review of Co-Creation in Public Health - PMC Conclusions: Co-created public health actions offer the opportunity to reduce health inequity and promote social change; yet, further effort is needed to involve communities in the entire cycle of decision making. The scoping review was carried out to answer the research question: “What methods have been used in co-created public health actions that incorporate the principle of equity, how does community or citizen participation tend to be articulated, and what effects on health and equity have been observed?”. Participatory methodology, equity focus, and community participation in 31 co-created public health actions reviewed. 24.Israel B.A., Schulz A.J., Parker E.A., Becker A.B. Review of Community-Based Research: Assessing Partnership Approaches to Improve Public Health.

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603467/

[57] Exploring Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Health Equity Commitments ... Second, health equity will not result without health care financing and regulations that prioritize equity with carrots and sticks that move equity work from “nice to do” to “need to do with no excuses.” He said that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Joint Commission, National Committee for Quality Assurance, and others are building an ecosystem for action and accountability but that advocacy around this will be essential going forward. Some of the enabling factors for racial equity journeys include developing public or external accountability, growing the numbers of racial justice practitioners and leaders within institutions, staff organizing to move anti-racism work forward, having executive leadership on board with these efforts, increasing the use of racial equity frameworks and tools, and building the container to process and metabolize the discomfort (somatic abolitionism) that comes from doing anti-racist work, Witt said.

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6690311/

[59] The Most Influential Scientists in the Development of Public Health (2 ... Rudolf Ludwig Carl Virchow (1821-1902) was a German doctor, anthropologist, pathologist, prehistorian, biologist, writer, editor, and politician, known for his advancement of public health (1-4).He is known as "the father of modern pathology" because his work helped to discredit humourism, bringing more science to medicine ().He is also known as the founder of Social medicine and

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https://www.cureus.com/articles/282641-rudolf-virchow-integrating-medicine-and-social-reform-for-public-health#!/

[60] Rudolf Virchow: Integrating Medicine and Social Reform for Public Health Rudolf Virchow, also known as Rudolf Carl Virchow, was a physician, pathologist, medical scientist, anthropologist, politician, social reformer, and role model. However, he is best known as the founder of the field of cellular pathology. He is known as "the father of modern pathology" and the founder of social medicine. He was born on October 13, 1821, in Prussia (now Swidwin, Poland) and died

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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369901402_Rudolf_Virchow_and_disease_prevention_and_health_promotion_in_the_21st_century

[61] Rudolf Virchow and disease prevention and health promotion in the 21st ... The German pathologist and politician Rudolf Virchow played a pivotal role in promoting social medicine and improving public health in the 19th century. Virchow's main achievements include his

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https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/20499361221079453

[68] Breaking down the barriers to health equity - SAGE Journals For decades, a growing number of organizations, governments, and other private and public institutions, similarly to the WHO, have described commitments to eliminating inequities in health care.4 Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the existence of brutal health disparities and their associated structural components, both among groups in different countries and within individ-ual regions and

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https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/health-inequities-and-their-causes

[69] Health inequities and their causes In all countries – whether low-, middle- or high-income – there are wide disparities in the health status of different social groups. Health inequities are systematic differences in the health status of different population groups. This fact file looks at what health inequities are, provides examples and shows their cost to society. Health inequities are differences in health status or in the distribution of health resources between different population groups, arising from the social conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. In low-resource settings, health-care costs for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) can quickly drain household resources, driving families into poverty.

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10684044/

[70] Eliminating health care inequities through strengthening access to care ... Recommendations include funding research that not only measures racism within health care but also tests burgeoning anti‐racist practices (e.g., co‐production, provider training, holistic review, discrimination reporting, etc.), acting as a convener and thought leader in synthesizing best practices to mitigate racism, and forging the path forward for research on equity and access. Keywords: health disparities, health services research, health care access, inequities, intersectionality, racially/ethnically minoritized populations, structural racism AHRQ can address inequities in access to care by collaboratively funding research that uses a health equity lens to address key gaps in the five dimensions of health care access.

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https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health

[85] Social determinants of health - World Health Organization (WHO) Select language Donate Donate Home Health Topics All topics A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Resources Fact sheets Facts in pictures Multimedia Podcasts Publications Questions and answers Tools and toolkits Popular Dengue Endometriosis Excessive heat Herpes Mental disorders Mpox Countries All countries A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Regions Africa Americas Europe Eastern Mediterranean South-East Asia Western Pacific WHO in countries Data by country Country presence Country strengthening Country cooperation strategies Newsroom All news News releases Statements Campaigns Events Feature stories Press conferences Speeches Commentaries Photo library Headlines Emergencies Focus on Cholera Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Greater Horn of Africa Israel and occupied Palestinian territory Mpox Sudan Ukraine Latest Disease Outbreak News Situation reports Weekly Epidemiological Record WHO in emergencies Surveillance Operations Research Funding Partners Health emergency appeals International Health Regulations Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee Data Data at WHO Data hub Global Health Estimates Mortality Health inequality Dashboards Triple Billion Progress Health Inequality Monitor Delivery for impact COVID-19 dashboard Data collection Classifications SCORE Surveys Civil registration and vital statistics Routine health information systems Harmonized health facility assessment GIS centre for health Reports World Health Statistics UHC global monitoring report About WHO About WHO Partnerships Committees and advisory groups Collaborating centres Technical teams Organizational structure Who we are Our work Activities Initiatives General Programme of Work WHO Academy Funding Investment in WHO WHO Foundation Accountability External audit Financial statements Internal audit and investigations Programme Budget Results reports Governance Governing bodies World Health Assembly Executive Board Member States Portal Home/ Health topics/ Social determinants of health WHO / NOOR / Arko Datto © Credits Social determinants of health Overview The social determinants of health (SDH) are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. They are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. The SDH have an important influence on health inequities - the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries. Research shows that the social determinants can be more important than health care or lifestyle choices in influencing health. Addressing SDH appropriately is fundamental for improving health and reducing longstanding inequities in health, which requires action by all sectors and civil society.

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9899154/

[86] The Role of Social Determinants of Health in Promoting Health Equality ... Every aspect of social determinants influences the health aspects of people; hence, some areas to focus on include employment, education, socioeconomic status, social support networks, health policies, and healthcare access. Keywords: health services, health equality, health policies, social factors, social movement, health inequities, social determinants History of social determinants of health inequality Keywords used were social inequalities, social inequities, poverty, health determinants, behavior, economic status, and social movement. Studies that discussed the relationship between health inequities, the importance of social determinants, health inequities, health policies, social factors, health equality, and social movement were included. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470525/ Am J Public Health. 13.[Epidemiology and social determinants of health inequalities] Goldberg M, Melchior M, Leclerc A, Lert F. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/9886555_Epidemiology_and_social_determinants_of_health_inequalities.

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8478299/

[87] Addressing Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health Through ... Interventions to promote good health in individuals and communities can include improving housing standards, reducing food insecurity, reducing economic insecurity and unemployment, increasing levels of educational attainment, and reducing stress from discriminatory practices.38 The Healthy People Web site offers evidence-based resources on addressing social determinants of health within 5 domains: (1) Economic Stability, (2) Education, (3) Health and Health Care, (4) Neighborhood and Built Environment, and (5) Social and Community Context.39 Resources that inform effective interventions for social determinants of health include the PhenX (phenotypes and exposures) Toolkit released by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Minority Health and Disparities.41 In addition, Healthy People 2030 identifies objectives that are relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic response (Table 4; see Supplemental Digital Content SDC2, available at http://links.lww.com/JPHMP/A746).

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ihi

https://www.ihi.org/resources/publications/pursuing-equity-action-community-lessons-learned-and-team-summary-reports

[89] Pursuing Equity Action Community: Lessons Learned and Team Summary ... The experiences of the participating organizations underscore the importance of data-driven approaches, leadership commitment, multidisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement to improve health equity. As health systems continue to strive for more equitable care, the lessons learned from this initiative serve as a valuable guide.

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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39450859/

[91] Building Healthy, Equitable, and Resilient Communities: Lessons Learned ... Findings indicate that community partnerships working to address SDOH can drive reciprocal improvements in community resilience-contributions that are critical for advancing health equity. Partnerships suggested that health departments may have opportunities to enhance community resilience through t …

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northwestern

https://nnsi.northwestern.edu/wickedproblemsinwellness-community-driven-health-initiatives/

[92] #WickedProblemsinWellness: Community-Driven Health Initiatives WickedProblemsinWellness: Community-Driven Health Initiatives - Network for Nonprofit and Social Impact Whether promoting healthy lifestyles, increasing access to healthcare services, or addressing social determinants of health, these initiatives prioritize community engagement and ownership as essential for success. Research provides compelling evidence of the effectiveness of community-driven health initiatives in improving health outcomes and reducing disparities. Additionally, community-driven initiatives have shown promise in addressing the underlying social determinants of mental health disparities. Building social support networks is another crucial aspect of community-driven health initiatives. Additionally, social support networks can serve as platforms for advocacy and collective action, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and driving systemic change to improve mental health outcomes for all.

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mn

https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/practice/resources/publications/docs/1811advancingHEkeyQs.pdf

[94] PDF Assessing policies, processes, and assumptions . The questions in this tool provide a starting place for carefully examining policies, processes and assumptions to advance health equity. Policies are the decisions made about how we will build and govern our communities. Processes are the ways in which we make those decisions.

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networkforphl

https://www.networkforphl.org/resources/equity-assessment-framework-for-public-health-laws-and-policies/

[95] Equity Assessment Framework for Public Health Laws and Policies The Equity Assessment Framework provides a way to assess the equity implications of existing or proposed laws or policies. It can assist in identifying issues in the drafting, design, or implementation of a law or policy that could have a disproportionate impact on different population groups.

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https://viva.pressbooks.pub/communityhealthnursing/chapter/chapter-three-social-determinants-of-health-and-vulnerable-populations/

[100] Chapter Three: Social Determinants of Health and Vulnerable Populations Vulnerable populations are groups of people and communities at a higher risk for poor health as a result of the barriers they experience, including social, economic, political, and environmental resources, as well as limitations caused by illness or disability (National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health, 2022). Social determinants of health comprise the conditions where people are born, work, live, worship, age, and play that affect an individual’s health, functioning, quality of life outcomes, and risks (Magnan, 2017; U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion [ODPHP], 2022e; Kaiser Family Foundation, 2018).

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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/

[101] Beyond Health Care: The Role of Social Determinants in Promoting Health ... In 2017, 19 states required Medicaid MCOs to screen beneficiaries for social needs and/or provide enrollees with referrals to social services and six states required MCOs to provide care coordination services to enrollees moving out of incarceration, with additional states planning to implement such requirements in 2018.40 Other data from a 2017 Kaiser Family Foundation survey of Medicaid managed care plans show that almost all responding MCOs41 (91%) reported activities to address social determinants of health, with housing and nutrition/food security as the top areas of focus.42 The most common activities plans reported engaging in were working with community -based organizations to link members to social services (93%), assessing members’ social needs (91%), and maintaining community or social service resource databases (81%) (Figure 2).43 Some plans also reported using community health workers (67%), using interdisciplinary community care teams (66%), offering application assistance and counseling referrals for social services (52%), and assisting justice-involved individuals with community reintegration (20%).

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biomedcentral

https://implementationsciencecomms.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s43058-020-00034-4

[106] Barriers and strategies for implementing community-based interventions ... In the current study, implementation includes "the use of strategies to adopt evidence-based health interventions and change practice patterns within specific settings" . Given the widely documented financial and structural barriers, CBOs must often adapt evidence-based programs when employing them in "real world" settings [ 28 ].

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11877690/

[107] Staff-reported barriers and facilitators to the implementation of ... Digital health interventions, particularly telehealth, were identified as potential solutions to address some of the barriers associated with environmental resources and context and geographic vastness. Telehealth reduces the need for patients and healthcare providers to travel long distances, which is particularly valuable in rural areas

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10094395/

[109] Addressing Health Disparities through Community Participation: A ... Addressing Health Disparities through Community Participation: A Scoping Review of Co-Creation in Public Health - PMC Conclusions: Co-created public health actions offer the opportunity to reduce health inequity and promote social change; yet, further effort is needed to involve communities in the entire cycle of decision making. The scoping review was carried out to answer the research question: “What methods have been used in co-created public health actions that incorporate the principle of equity, how does community or citizen participation tend to be articulated, and what effects on health and equity have been observed?”. Participatory methodology, equity focus, and community participation in 31 co-created public health actions reviewed. 24.Israel B.A., Schulz A.J., Parker E.A., Becker A.B. Review of Community-Based Research: Assessing Partnership Approaches to Improve Public Health.

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https://www.barrowneuro.org/about/news-and-articles/guest-columns/2025-action-and-advocacy-toward-health-equity-in-the-year-ahead/

[129] 2025: Action and Advocacy Toward Health Equity in the Year Ahead Looking forward, a roadmap for future advancements in surgical care equity will be charted to advance health equity in surgical care, particularly in emergency, critical and operative care, for everyone, everywhere.

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https://www.cdc.gov/health-equity/core/health-equity-fact-sheet.html

[131] Health Equity Fact Sheet | Health Equity | CDC About CDC's Office of Health Equity About CDC's Office of Health Equity In 2023, CDC developed an agency-wide health equity Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) template and checklist resources with accompanying guidance that advises CDC Centers, Institutes, and Offices on how to embed health equity into non-research NOFOs. Impact: The new template and checklist help ensure that public health initiatives funded through CDC NOFOs include strategies that can reduce or prevent health disparities, including those experienced by minoritized and stigmatized populations. In 2022, CDC developed the Health Equity Intervention and Action Principles to outline critical areas of focus and consideration for CDC and external organizations to strengthen their structure, processes, and programs to advance equity. CDC’s Office of Health Equity CDC’s Office of Health Equity About CDC's Office of Health Equity

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jhu

https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/bridging-the-digital-divide-in-health-care-a-new-framework-for-equity

[132] Bridging the Digital Divide in Health Care: A New Framework for Equity Bridging the Digital Divide in Health Care: A New Framework for Equity | Johns Hopkins | Bloomberg School of Public Health The Digital Health Care Equity Framework (DHEF), developed through a collaborative process involving a diverse panel of experts and supported by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, marks a pivotal step toward ensuring that digital health tools benefit all communities equitably. The framework was designed as a comprehensive tool to help stakeholders—health care developers, vendors, health systems, and policymakers—to intentionally assess and address equity across all stages of the digital health care lifecycle. The framework was informed by a two-year research process and included a scoping literature review that analyzed 124 studies and existing frameworks, focusing on health equity and digital health care.

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https://www.healthrecoverysolutions.com/blog/how-telehealth-is-helping-underserved-populations-in-healthcare

[133] How Telehealth is Helping Underserved Populations in Healthcare Today, 85% of the population has access to a smart device, but not all people have access to safe, effective healthcare. For underserved populations, telehealth can be a vital resource, one that expands care access by eliminating barriers such as transportation needs, distance from specialty providers, time off work, and child care.

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10785927/

[134] Examining and Addressing Telemedicine Disparities Through the Lens of ... Although telemedicine may help to reduce disparities in healthcare access by addressing geographic barriers related to transportation or financial obstacles related to paid sick leave, telemedicine engagement is limited for populations adversely impacted by the SDOH. 11 While some have argued that Internet access should be classified as a sixth

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liebertpub

https://liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/tmr.2024.0036

[135] Exploring Barriers Toward Telehealth in an Underserved, Uninsured ... Telehealth has untapped potential to improve health care for underserved communities. It can increase continuity of care for patients with chronic health conditions, reduce transportation and babysitting costs, reduce work absences, and decrease the stress and time drain associated with waiting rooms. 1-4 However, barriers that limit access to quality virtual care persist in

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https://medicalresearch.com/addressing-healthcare-inequality-through-technology/

[136] Addressing Healthcare Inequality Through Technology Women, particularly in developing countries, face barriers to accessing maternal healthcare, reproductive health services, and general medical care. These devices allow patients to stay in constant contact with their healthcare providers, making it easier for doctors to track patient health remotely and adjust treatments as needed. Healthcare apps are improving healthcare accessibility by providing users with personalized health information and enabling communication with healthcare providers. The flexibility of mobile health apps allows users to access medical services without the need to visit a healthcare facility, making it especially beneficial in rural or underserved areas. Estonia’s national healthcare system uses blockchain to secure its health data, ensuring data privacy and reducing fraud. Technology holds immense potential to address healthcare inequality and improve health outcomes for marginalized populations.

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cdc

https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2023/23_0077.htm

[139] Achieving the Health Equity Agenda Through Transformative Community ... CBPR, as a strategy based on collective action, community organizing, and mobilization, has the potential to re-center public health's focus on population-level change strategies. Twenty years after the landmark report, Unequal Treatment (48), our health care and other social service systems remain unchanged, leaving the US last in recent

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shvs

https://www.shvs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SHVS_Transformational-Community-Engagement-to-Advance-Health-Equity.pdf

[142] PDF Community engagement is one of the ways states are attempting to establish and maintain trust and improve the accessibility and quality of services.1 Such efforts can improve communication, lead to more effective and efficient programs, and result in ongoing collaboration with people who have experienced state-run systems and services.2, 3 Community Engagement and Equity Community engagement is central to addressing the systemic inequities and structural discrimination entrenched in our health and social services systems. 7 TRANSFORMATIONAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TO ADVANCE HEALTH EQUITY Improved Health + Healthcare Programs + Policies Health Equity Strategies Health Equity Tactics • Elevate community-defined problems and develop cooperatively defined metrics of success ​ to evaluate engagement initiatives.

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wphealthcarenews

https://www.wphealthcarenews.com/engaging-communities-combat-health-disparities/

[143] Engaging Communities to Combat Health Disparities: Strategies for ... Engaging Communities to Combat Health Disparities: Strategies for Effective Collaboration - Western Pennsylvania Healthcare News Engaging Communities to Combat Health Disparities: Strategies for Effective Collaboration Importance of Community Engagement in Public Health Community engagement plays a crucial role in addressing health disparities. One effective way to do this is through community programs that address health disparities. These actions include public health policies that promote access to health care for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Tribal communities. These interventions can reduce health care disparities by focusing on the unique needs of each community. These collaborations help address health disparities by uniting different sectors, including community-based organizations, health systems, and public health departments. Collaboration is key to addressing health disparities through community programs.

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bettercareplaybook

https://bettercareplaybook.org/collections/community-engagement-interventions-improve-health-equity

[144] Community Engagement Interventions to Improve Health Equity Across the nation, health care payers, providers, and policymakers are seeking ways to engage community members to better understand barriers to good health and invest in programs that better meet community needs. Health care stakeholders, including policymakers, health plans, and providers, can use this Better Care Playbook Collection to understand emerging evidence and best practices for implementing community engagement interventions to better meet community needs and improve health equity. What are emerging evidence and best practices for designing community engagement strategies in health care? Below, find on-the-ground perspectives and experiences on implementing community engagement initiatives that drive health care system improvements. Engaging Community Members: A Guide to Equitable Compensation (Center for Health Care Strategies) Community Member Engagement Resource Center (Center for Health Care Strategies)

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5554943/

[161] Strategies To Empower Communities To Reduce Health Disparities Community-based participatory research is based on collaboration between and participation by community members, representatives of community-based organizations, and researchers to achieve health equity through social action.8 The approach involves a long-term partnership that is focused on a local health issue and involves co-learning, capacity building, shared decision making, mutual ownership of research findings, and dissemination of results.6 It increases the relevance of the research to community members, balances power among the partners, and helps translate research into policy and practice.6 It also helps identify community assets on which to build interventions, and it facilitates the exchange of knowledge between researchers and community members.5

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https://www.wphealthcarenews.com/engaging-communities-combat-health-disparities/

[162] Engaging Communities to Combat Health Disparities: Strategies for ... Engaging Communities to Combat Health Disparities: Strategies for Effective Collaboration - Western Pennsylvania Healthcare News Engaging Communities to Combat Health Disparities: Strategies for Effective Collaboration Importance of Community Engagement in Public Health Community engagement plays a crucial role in addressing health disparities. One effective way to do this is through community programs that address health disparities. These actions include public health policies that promote access to health care for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Tribal communities. These interventions can reduce health care disparities by focusing on the unique needs of each community. These collaborations help address health disparities by uniting different sectors, including community-based organizations, health systems, and public health departments. Collaboration is key to addressing health disparities through community programs.

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shvs

https://www.shvs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/State-Strategies-for-Overcoming-Barriers-to-Advance-Health-Equity.pdf

[163] PDF STRUCTURAL Systemic obstacles and societal norms that reinforce inequities. > Lack of diversity in decision-making structures. > Inconsistent internal practices; and lack of consensus around what is meant by health equity, inequities, and structural racism. > Lack of intra-and-cross agency coordination (including with the private insurance market) and engagement with state leadership

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3863701/

[171] What Are Health Disparities and Health Equity? We Need to Be Clear This article discusses the need for greater clarity about the concepts of health disparities and health equity, proposes definitions, and explains the rationale based on principles from the fields of ethics and human rights. Until the release of Healthy People 2020 in 2010, federal agencies had officially defined health disparities in very general terms, as differences in health among different population groups, without further specification.1,2 This article argues for the need to be explicit about the meaning of health disparities and the related term “health equity,” and proposes definitions based on concepts from the fields of ethics and human rights.

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verywellhealth

https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-disparities-4173220

[172] Health Disparities: What They Mean and Examples - Verywell Health Health disparities occur when people and communities experience higher rates of breast cancer, obesity, heart disease, and other challenges for specific reasons that include race and ethnicity, access to care, poverty, and environmental risk. The Office of Health Equity in the United States defines health disparities as the preventable factors and differences that disproportionately affect certain people and groups. The COVID-19 pandemic led to health disparities caused by vaccine access, housing inequities, cultural factors that affected the ability to isolate, and low-income jobs that offered no remote work opportunities for people who had to keep working. Cohen CM, Wentzensen N, Castle PE, Schiffman M, Zuna R, Arend RC, et al. Ukke GG, Boyle JA, Reja A, Lee WK, Chen M, Ko MSM, et al.

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nih

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16533114/

[173] Health disparities and health equity: concepts and measurement There is little consensus about the meaning of the terms "health disparities," "health inequalities," or "health equity." The definitions can have important practical consequences, determining the measurements that are monitored by governments and international agencies and the activities that will be supported by resources earmarked to address

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nih

https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/about/overview/what-are-health-disparities.html

[174] What are Health Disparities? - nimhd.nih.gov A health disparity is a largely preventable health difference that adversely affects populations who experience greater challenges to optimal health and are closely linked with intergenerational social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage – primarily based on identification as a racial and ethnic minority and/or by low socioeconomic status (SES) in society. How Do Scientists Select an Appropriate Reference Population/Group in Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Research*? The reference population in U.S. health disparities research has often utilized the racial majority group (i.e., White persons) as the reference group. The selected reference group in health disparities research must be chiefly guided by the scientific questions and potential for generalizable results. Similar reference group considerations apply to health disparities research focused on low socioeconomic status groups, underserved rural communities, sexual minority groups, and people with disabilities.

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9056016/

[175] Better together: Coalitions committed to advancing health equity LATIN-19 Description of Organization and Accomplishments. Anticipating the increased health disparities and inequities that would emerge for the Latinx community during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 (Rodriguez-Diaz et al., 2020; Rossen et al., 2021), Duke University clinicians convened a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss a coordinated approach to address these issues.

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nih

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19887997/

[176] Community participation in health initiatives for marginalized ... Community-based participatory methods have emerged as a response to conventional approaches that have historically failed to make notable improvement in health status or reduce chronic disease among marginalized populations. The social-ecological model provides a framework to develop and implement s …

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who

https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/donors-making-a-difference--community-engagement-to-promote--provide-and-protect-the-health-and-well-being-of-all

[177] Donors making a difference: community engagement to promote, provide ... WHO’s partners and donors support the Organization to work in this area as there are undeniable benefits to engaging communities in promoting health and well-being. Below are some country stories that demonstrate the breadth of community engagement work that WHO conducts, resulting in more positive health outcomes for the people in these communities than before. Developed by the Lao Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs in response to COVID-19 with the support of WHO and partners, the CONNECT initiative enhances local governance and community engagement for equitable access to public services, particularly health. WHO, with crucial support from the Government of Japan, is on the ground in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, battling this public health emergency and working to protect vulnerable communities.

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ama-assn

https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/health-equity/health-inequities-can-be-addressed-systems-focused-policies

[179] Health inequities can be addressed with systems-focused policies Examples include an AMA policy that declares that the provision of health care services "is an ethical obligation of a civil society." Another AMA policy advocates developing alternative payment models that link quality measures and payments to outcomes specifically aimed at reducing health inequities.

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kent

https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/college-of-public-health/community/exploring-ethical-issues-in-public-health-practice

[181] Exploring Ethical Issues in Public Health Practice - Kent Growing awareness of the impact of social determinants on health disparities at both individual and population levels has highlighted the need for culturally competent public health practices. Public health ethics frameworks can guide practitioners in promoting health equity by ensuring fair distribution of resources and inclusive decision

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10985718/

[182] Public Health Approaches to Social Determinants of Health: Getting ... Approaches to SDoH in the health care setting have focused primarily on connecting individuals to resources and services to fulfill their social needs1 and developing data standards for SDoH information captured in electronic health records.2 This individualized approach does not address underlying social conditions or lack of adequate access to basic resources in most communities.3 These factors require complementary solutions nested in community engagement and collaboration. This includes developing and sustaining multisector partnerships, braiding funding, community engagement in data gathering, and problem solving in communities directly impacted by the targeted SDoH.4 To better understand which SDoH approaches result in positive health outcomes, we need to evaluate what types of local partnerships and roles are most likely to succeed, as well as how these practices can be supported by local, state, and federal policies and resources.

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oup

https://academic.oup.com/healthaffairsscholar/article/2/12/qxae151/7900047

[183] Standardizing social determinants of health data: a proposal for a ... Introduction. Social determinants of health (SDoH) is increasingly recognized as critical factors influencing health outcomes, healthcare utilization, and health disparities. 1 These determinants, encompassing economic stability, education, social and community context, health and healthcare, and neighborhood and built environment, impacting an estimated 80% of health outcomes. 2 The

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cdc

https://www.cdc.gov/health-equity-chronic-disease/social-determinants-of-health-and-chronic-disease/index.html

[185] Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Chronic Diseases Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Chronic Diseases | Advancing Health Equity in Chronic Disease | CDC NCCDPHP's Approach Our Work in Action Programs Communications Social Determinants of Health Tools for Partners Rural Health View All Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Chronic Diseases The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) works to achieve health equity by addressing SDOH. State and local policies can ensure that all groups are equally protected from the harms of tobacco—for example by limiting access to tobacco products, creating smokefree public spaces, and requiring health insurance coverage of quit-smoking treatments. Social Determinants of Health at CDC NCCDPHP's Programs to Equitably Address Social Determinants of Health The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion advances healthy equity through six areas of action.

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5524193/

[186] Evaluating Strategies For Reducing Health Disparities By Addressing The ... Research of the effects of Civil Rights policies, including equal access to employment and access to medical care, and enforcement of voting rights, indicates that the employment and income gains that resulted led to increases in life expectancy between the mid-1960s and the mid-1970s that were larger for blacks than whites, and greater for black women than black men.(49) Research examining employment interventions for specific vulnerable groups, including low socioeconomic status women and people with severe mental illness, also suggests that employment interventions could be effective in reducing health disparities in these populations.(50, 51) For people with severe mental illness, employment improves quality of life, finances, and social support.(51) Participation in Supported Employment, an evidence-based practice assisting people with severe mental illness to obtain and maintain employment, is associated with improved employment outcomes.(52) In one study among women receiving financial support from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, public health nursing case management was associated with increased entrance into the workforce, increased preventive health care utilization, and improved depression.(50)

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healthpolicyohio

https://www.healthpolicyohio.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/M-Hall-Policy-approaches-to-advancing-health-equity.pdf

[188] PDF California’s HiAP Task Force, created by Executive Order in February 2010, was charged with recommend-ing programs, policies, and strategies to improve the health of Californians while advancing the goals of the state’s Strategic Growth Council including “improving air and water quality, protecting natural resources and agricultural lands, increasing the availability of affordable housing, improving infrastructure sys-tems, promoting public health, planning sustainable communities, and meeting the State’s climate change goals.” 64(p9) In 2013, California’s Health and Safety code was amended through section 131019.5 to explicitly ad-dress the health status of all populations, with a priority on eliminating health and mental health disparities and inequities.

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mass

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/disaggregating-data-and-assessing-inequities

[200] Disaggregating data and assessing inequities - Mass.gov Disaggregation uncovers health disparities — differences between the health of one population and another in measures of who becomes infected or develops disease, who experiences disease, who dies from disease, and other adverse health conditions 1.

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nih

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33437108/

[201] The Critical Role of Racial/Ethnic Data Disaggregation for Health ... The ongoing lack of racial/ethnic data disaggregation perpetuates existing inequities in access to much-needed resources that can ensure health and well-being. In its efforts to help build a Culture of Health and promote health equity, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has supported activities aimed to advance the meaningful disaggregation of

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nationalequityatlas

https://nationalequityatlas.org/our-work/community/health-equity/data-disaggregation

[202] Making the Case for Data Disaggregation to Advance a Culture of Health ... Racial and ethnic health disparities and inequities can only be eliminated if there is high-quality information by which to track immediate problems and underlying social determinants, as well as to guide the design and application of culturally specific medical and public health approaches. Often, health outcomes are disaggregated by broad racial categories such as "Black or African American

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8564233/

[205] The Health Equity Framework: A Science- and Justice-Based Model for ... In this article, we describe a science- and justice-based framework for promoting health equity designed for researchers and practitioners working across public health and social science fields. The framework centers on three foundational concepts: equity at the core of health outcomes; multiple, interacting spheres of influence; and a historical and life-course perspective. Yet some market research suggests current social determinants approaches do not yield public support for addressing health disparities and may be challenging for practitioners to apply (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation et al., 2010). This article describes a science- and justice-based framework for promoting health equity that is designed for researchers and practitioners working across public health, health promotion, and social science fields.

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naccho

https://www.naccho.org/uploads/downloadable-resources/NACCHO_EquityGuide.pdf

[206] PDF 1). The World Health Organization (WHO) states that equity requires the "fair distribution of benefits and burdens."2 To advance health equity, public health programs can provide additional support to populations that are the most vulnerable. Background on Health Equity and its Applications to Outbreak Response and Prevention Equality Equity

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spatiallyhealth

https://spatiallyhealth.com/data-driven-health-equity/

[207] Why 2025 Must Be the Year for Data-Driven Health Equity When health equity initiatives are data-driven and focus on addressing HRSNs through targeted, prescriptive, and scalable strategies, healthcare organizations can drive meaningful change. This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also helps control costs, optimizes resources, and reduces the operational burden on care teams.

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cms

https://www.cms.gov/blog/path-forward-improving-data-advance-health-equity-solutions

[211] The Path Forward: Improving Data to Advance Health Equity Solutions The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health has released “The Path Forward: Improving Data to Advance Health Equity Solutions”, which for the first time, outlines a plan to tackle health equity data efforts across CMS programs to achieve health equity by underlining the importance of health equity data collection and chart the next steps for CMS to improve data collection efforts and, in turn, advance health equity. The CMS Framework for Health Equity prioritizes CMS’s commitment to expanding the collection, reporting, and analysis of standardized data.[ii] CMS knows that increasing the collection of standardized sociodemographic and SDOH data across the health care industry is an important first step towards improving population health.

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jointcommission

https://www.jointcommission.org/our-priorities/health-care-equity/accreditation-resource-center/use-data-to-identify-disparities-across-patient-groups/

[212] Use Data to Identify Disparities Across Patient Groups Organizations can use data about their patient population to determine whether there are differences in the care provided to one group of patients versus another. Some organizations may be able to perform complex data analysis across multiple measures, but all organizations should be able to analyze at least one quality and safety issue to identify potential health care disparities among its

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nih

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592587/

[220] Culturally Informed Community Engagement: Implications for Inclusive ... Culturally Informed Community Engagement: Implications for Inclusive Science and Health Equity - NCBI Bookshelf This article will discuss Yosso’s (2005) Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) framework and its applicability and utility for facilitating culturally informed community engagement in health research. When community engagement incorporates principles of health equity and existing assets (i.e., CCW), it begins to embody a culturally informed approach to community engagement. Here, we present selected applied examples of culturally informed community engagement interventions that leverage various types of capital that comprise CCW to promote health equity among populations of Color. Intentional application of culturally informed community engagement could improve study recruitment, participant satisfaction, and connections between researchers and historically marginalized communities, and ultimately build a foundation for effective health equity efforts that embody inclusive science.

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nih

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425859/

[222] 7 Partners in Promoting Health Equity in Communities For example, their focus is well aligned with upstream approaches relevant to the social determinants of health, such as the creation of workforce training and living-wage jobs with good benefits to increase employment among local residents; building wealth and reducing debt among community residents; creating and improving existing affordable housing; increasing community safety and access to safe green space and parks and affordable healthy food; enriching the presence of and participation in the arts; building advocacy and action capacity among community residents and community-based organizations; and engaging multiple private and public sectors in partnerships.

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healthycommunities

https://www.healthycommunities.org/resources/toolkit/files/step7-plan-implementation

[223] Step 7: Plan Strategies to Accelerate Health Equity | ACHI Developing a Population Health Driver Diagram tailored to each priority health area in your CHA can be useful for identifying primary and secondary drivers — as well as specific interventions to which different community stakeholders can contribute — that will achieve improvement in the priority area. A program logic model helps guide the theory and assumptions underlying the

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nih

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425860/

[224] 8 Community Tools to Promote Health Equity - National Center for ... The tools described below are organized according to the types of actions that communities may need to take to address health equity, such as (1) making the case for health equity; (2) meeting information needs; (3) adopting or developing logic models or theories of change; (4) using civil rights law to promote health equity; (5) medical–legal partnerships; (6) using health impact assessments to understand policy implications; and (7) securing funding to support community action. For example, the National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities Toolkit for Community Action was developed to help individuals, organizations, and policy makers: (1) raise awareness about health disparities by providing descriptions of health disparities and their causes; (2) engage others in conversations about the problem and solutions with tools to guide efforts to promote programs and policies for change; and (3) take action for change by providing information and tools to help individuals and organizations to address health in their communities (HHS, n.d.-b).

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healthaffairs

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/conducting-more-equitable-community-health-needs-assessment

[225] Conducting A More Equitable Community Health Needs Assessment To build trust and advance health equity, it is essential that those conducting the CHNA are prepared to help address the social needs of community members that are identified, whether that

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theclinics

https://www.nursing.theclinics.com/article/S0029-6465(23

[226] Promoting Health Equity Among Marginalized and Vulnerable Populations This article calls for a closer examination of health equity regarding the disparities and inequities in health care among marginalized and vulnerable populations. A review of strategies to improve culturally responsive care to these populations will be examined. This examination includes a discussion of the need for structural competence and the ongoing debate around the concepts of cultural

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astho

https://www.astho.org/globalassets/pdf/legislative-prospectus-series/2023-health-equity.pdf

[234] PDF health equity, improving health data collection, and focusing on healthcare access for rural communities. Legislative Trends Incorporating Health Equity and Anti-Racism Policies Local and state jurisdictions continue to declare racism a public health crisis. As of December 2022, over 300 local and state legislative bodies have acknowledged the

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health

https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/Combined-508.pdf

[235] PDF • The ability of Healthy People 2030 to measure its success in achieving health equity will depend on ongoing surveillance of health inequalities ... and effective enforcement Can affect health and well -being based on how they are interpreted by the courts; Law and Health Policy | • Health equity has an important role in both HP2020 and

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cms

https://www.cms.gov/files/document/health-equity-challenges.pdf

[248] PDF Known Challenges Lack of equity lens applied when developing new policies Lack of public feedback during open comment periods Unintentional inclusion of policies that could lead to or worsen health disparities

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nih

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39920763/

[249] Barriers to health equity in the United States of America: can ... - PubMed Yet nearly a century later, it is arguable how much progress society has made in achieving health equity, particularly in the United States of America where numerous factors at both the level of the individual and population contribute to significant complexity with respect to healthcare access and delivery.

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4724388/

[251] Achieving Equity in an Evolving Healthcare System: Opportunities and ... Provisions in the Affordable Care Act set the stage for improved federal collection of information on race and ethnicity in all national population health surveys, in addition to the option for the Department of Health and Human Services to collect additional demographic data in an effort to understand health disparities.7 Improvement in the collection of valid and reliable data on factors including race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status can assist in documenting, tracking, and understanding disparities in healthcare.3 It is important to consider that race/ethnicity is part of a larger historical, geographic, and political context.5 As such collecting comprehensive data based on conceptual models of the pathways through which race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status influence health will provide opportunities to develop targeted interventions that address disparities at local, regional, and national levels.3, 22, 24

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sciencedirect

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352827324000764

[252] Trends and structural factors affecting health equity in the United ... Additionally, lower levels of health equity are associated with poorer local socioeconomic context, including several measures that are proxies for structural racism. Altogether, these findings strongly suggest social and economic factors play a pivotal role in explaining growing levels of geographic health inequality in the United States.

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ssrn

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4715996

[253] Exploring the Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Health Equity ... - SSRN Abstract Socioeconomic status (SES) is a crucial factor that determines health outcomes and affects the well-being of individuals and families. This review paper explores the complex relationship between SES and health equity within the family context. It provides a detailed analysis of the various ways in which SES impacts health disparities within families and offers suggestions for reducing

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harvard

https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/files/isl/files/the_effects_of_socioeconomic_status_on_the_quality_and_accessibility_of_healthcare_services.pdf

[254] PDF The results of the study indicated that SES factors had significant correlations with healthcare quality and accessibility in which people with a lower SES experienced lower quality of medical care and faced more difficulties in accessibility than their counterparts with higher SES. All Rights Reserved Page 7 Healthcare Quality The following analysis of the data collected from the survey participants relates to the quality of their healthcare experiences; interactions with medical staff and wait time were two factors that were largely influenced by one’s SES. Participants that indicated a lower SES based on the metrics of household income and racial background indicated lower levels of satisfaction with healthcare quality and accessibility.

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biomedcentral

https://archpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13690-023-01026-1

[255] Socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes in the United States in ... We used data from four nationally representative sources to examine and identify robust patterns of socioeconomic disparities in two key health indicators: respondent-rated health and obesity: 1) NHIS, 2) NHANES, 3) BRFSS, and 4) HRS. In addition, for both the income and education models, the Black and Hispanic samples had higher prevalence rates of respondent-rated poor health across all socioeconomic categories than the Asian and White samples (see Appendix Tables 1–2). Furthermore, in the income and education models across all data sources, the Black and Hispanic samples often had higher prevalence rates of respondent-rated poor health across all socioeconomic categories than the Asian and White samples (see Appendix Tables 1–2).

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5932696/

[256] How Socioeconomic Status Affects Patient Perceptions of Health Care: A ... Educating physicians about the implicit biases they may have—and how patients may perceive these biases affect their health care—could help to reduce these disparities42-44 as it has been shown that physicians change their clinical decisions when they become aware of their unconscious bias.44 Regardless of physicians’ attitudes toward individuals of low SES, providers should be aware of how patients perceive they are treated based on SES, allowing for increased empathy with patient’s experiences and identification of potential perceptual barriers to both satisfaction with and adherence to effective health care management.

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antioch

https://commonthread.antioch.edu/understanding-equity-in-healthcare-challenges-and-solutions/

[257] Understanding Equity in Healthcare: Challenges and Solutions Antioch University | Understanding Equity in Healthcare: Challenges and Solutions For example, healthcare providers can use predictive analytics to identify risk based on social determinants of health and prioritize resources for high-risk populations. Healthcare providers can collaborate with community leaders, local organizations, and patient advocacy groups to co-create solutions that reflect the needs and values of marginalized populations. Achieving equity in healthcare also requires systemic policy reforms at the local, state, and federal levels to promote inclusive and accessible care. As we navigate the complexities of healthcare disparities, it becomes increasingly clear that equity in medical care is both a profound challenge and an extraordinary opportunity. To join forces in fostering equity in healthcare, explore our MS in Allied Health services at Antioch University.

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healthcareittoday

https://www.healthcareittoday.com/2025/02/04/partnering-with-community-organizations-and-ensuring-equitable-access-to-healthcare-services-for-marginalized-and-vulnerable-populations/

[265] Partnering with Community Organizations and Ensuring Equitable Access ... Interoperability is essential for equitable access, enabling seamless data sharing between healthcare systems and community organizations. For marginalized populations, who often navigate fragmented care and systemic barriers, interoperability ensures a complete view of their needs—medical history, social determinants, and past interventions.

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jnursrcp

https://www.jnursrcp.com/article_207030_4e3c7157619758b9b9cdb7f03fc8a125.pdf

[286] PDF Nurses, often at the frontline of patient care, play a critical role in providing culturally competent care that respects and responds to their patients' cultural backgrounds. Cultural competence in nursing also refers to the ability of healthcare providers to understand, respect, and appropriately respond to patients' cultural and linguistic needs. By understanding their patients' cultural contexts, nurses can provide more personalized care, improve adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately enhance health outcomes for diverse populations . Nurses who provide culturally sensitive care can encourage patients to engage more actively in their health management . By embracing cultural diversity and integrating cultural competence into nursing practice, healthcare providers can improve patient-provider relationships, reduce health disparities, and enhance overall patient satisfaction and health outcomes.

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6243442/

[289] Progress on Major Public Health Challenges: The Importance of Equity We discuss how cross-sectoral work; collaborations among practitioners, researchers, and educators; leadership development; education and training; and policy translation can improve public health efforts to achieve equity. Strategies such as cross-sector partnerships; collaborations among practitioners, researchers, and educators; leadership development; equity training; and equity-informed policy translation should enable the reduction of current health disparities and achievement of better health and quality of life for all people in the United States, regardless of their socially determined circumstances.

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6604779/

[290] Reducing Health Disparities to Promote Health Equity through Policy ... Keywords: Health Equity, Health Disparities. Importance of Health Policy Research. Health policy research plays a key role in advancing health equity, ... Am J Public Health. 2008;98(9)(suppl):S5-S7. 10.2105/AJPH.2008.145748 [PMC free article] [Google Scholar] 6. Galea S, Vaughan RD.

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nih

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425853/

[291] 1 The Need to Promote Health Equity - National Center for Biotechnology ... In this report promoting health equity means creating the conditions where individuals and communities have what they need to enjoy full, healthy lives. Health equity requires focused and sustained societal efforts to confront historical and contemporary injustices and eliminate health disparities (Brennan Ramirez et al., 2008; HHS, n.d.).

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cdc

https://www.cdc.gov/health-equity/core/health-equity-fact-sheet.html

[292] Health Equity Fact Sheet | Health Equity | CDC - Centers for Disease ... About CDC's Office of Health Equity About CDC's Office of Health Equity In 2023, CDC developed an agency-wide health equity Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) template and checklist resources with accompanying guidance that advises CDC Centers, Institutes, and Offices on how to embed health equity into non-research NOFOs. Impact: The new template and checklist help ensure that public health initiatives funded through CDC NOFOs include strategies that can reduce or prevent health disparities, including those experienced by minoritized and stigmatized populations. In 2022, CDC developed the Health Equity Intervention and Action Principles to outline critical areas of focus and consideration for CDC and external organizations to strengthen their structure, processes, and programs to advance equity. CDC’s Office of Health Equity CDC’s Office of Health Equity About CDC's Office of Health Equity

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mededportal

https://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11501

[294] Integrative Curriculum Assessment for Inclusion, Representation, and ... Review curricular standards for health equity within health professions education. 2. Conduct an in-depth evaluation of health professions courses and/or curricula related to health equity, diversity, inclusion, representation, and accessibility. 3. Develop or revise curricula to integrate health equity concepts into health professions programming.

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nih

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40026443/

[295] Integrative Curriculum Assessment for Inclusion, Representation, and ... The development of an evidence-based tool by which to measure the integration of these concepts within health care education is imperative for achieving this goal. ... tool that assists in evaluating and then integrating health equity concepts into new or existing curricula. The four domains of I-CAIRE include health equity; curriculum content

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healthaffairs

https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2017.1285

[301] How Community Organizing Promotes Health Equity, And How Health Equity ... Finally, a health equity frame can prompt grassroots community organizing groups to build health promotion and healing into their organizational practices as a recognition of the multiple traumas

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bmj

https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/10/e082336

[310] Advancing health equity and the role of digital health technologies: a ... Introduction Healthcare systems around the world exhibit inherent systemic inequities that disproportionately impact marginalised populations. Digital health technologies (DHTs) hold promising potential to address these inequities and to play a pivotal role in advancing health equity. However, there is a notable gap regarding a comprehensive and structured overview of existing frameworks and

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nih

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580635/

[311] Digital Health Equity - Digital Health - NCBI Bookshelf To attain this goal, target areas for equity considerations in the digital health technology ecosystem and pipeline include: the digital health tool itself, including its design, technical development, deployment into the healthcare environment, and evaluation; the technology’s relationship at various levels to the individual end-user, its proprietors (e.g., a digital health startup or corporation, the design team, developers), and the larger healthcare system; and its effects on target health and health determinant outcomes (Figure 2). Approaches to digital health that focus on health equity – the active commitment to reducing health disparities and improving the experience of healthcare for diverse, marginalized, and underrepresented patient populations – can help ensure that digital technologies in healthcare are designed, developed, and deployed in an effective and equitable manner.

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nih

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6589829/

[312] Role of Health Information Technology in Addressing Health Disparities ... Collecting and standardizing data is a complex process.32 One recent report outlines three system-level steps (count electronically, equity lens, and intervene to decrease disparities) needed to decrease racial/ethnic disparities via EHRs and health IT.33 Routine collection of accurate, detailed, and complete data on social determinants of health, industry/occupation and environment, and demographic and socio-economic status per national guidelines is needed.32,34 The broad adoption of EHRs provides an opportunity to incorporate information on demographic and social determinants of health on a large scale, but terminology and messaging standardization is necessary to enable this.35 Accordingly, the Institute of Medicine identified social determinants of health domains and measures to inform recommendations for the meaningful use of EHRs.36 However, there are differences between EHR systems in large, well-resourced clinical practices and those in less well-resourced sites, such as their relative abilities to support population health management and track, document, and address disparities across settings.37 NIMHD is now working with other NIH institutes and centers to identify common health equity data elements in EHRs and other data sources to make it possible to translate data into actions to improve health outcomes for disparity populations.

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frontiersrj

https://frontiersrj.com/journals/ijflsr/sites/default/files/IJFLSR-2024-0030.pdf

[313] PDF Data analytics serves as a powerful tool for advancing health equity by providing evidence-based insights that inform policy decisions, resource allocation, and intervention strategies aimed at reducing health disparities in the United States and beyond (Brown et al., 2019). 2. Understanding health disparities

nashp.org favicon

nashp

https://nashp.org/data-strategies-to-understand-and-address-health-disparities/

[314] Data Strategies to Understand and Address Health Disparities The portal includes data on equity related to state efforts in health, public safety, social services, education, workforce, and others. To better identify and address health disparities, states are collecting SDOH data through a variety of sources, including community health needs assessments and community health improvement plans, managed care organization assessment tools, health care provider screening tools, social service provider assessment tools, and others. Of the 47 reporting states, 35 states have incorporated SDOH requirements into their Medicaid managed care (MCO) contracts,11 and several have moved to enhanced reporting using SDOH metrics in predictive analytics.12 Additionally, numerous states across the country (including Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin) are integrating strategies to address health disparities in MCO contracts — either directly through incentives or through training, hiring practices, and reporting.13 Some states are specifically requiring MCOs to achieve the NCQA Health Equity Accreditation, a new measurement framework for Medicaid.