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Health Equity 101: addressing root causes of health disparities. J. Nelson-Weaver, DrPH , MA Health Partners – Buncombe County’s Healthy Carolinians coalition. What is health equity?. Fairness. Justice. Opportunity. Equal chance. Availability. Eliminating disparities.
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Health Equity 101:addressing root causes of health disparities J. Nelson-Weaver, DrPH, MA Health Partners – Buncombe County’s Healthy Carolinians coalition
What is health equity? Fairness Justice Opportunity Equal chance Availability Eliminating disparities
HEALTH - not just medical care • Housing • Eduction • Access to care • Labor or employment • Transportation • Hope, happiness, quality of life
Why does it matter? • More impact on health status than seeing a doctor • MATCH rankings list Social and Economic factors as highest contributor to death and disease. • www.countyhealthrankings.org • The power of community context • What choices are AVAILABLE? • Cost effectiveness = prevention versus treatment • Income inequality = Higher income inequality often correlated with worse health overall.
Talking about health equity Engaging messages • All Americans should have the opportunity to make the choices that allow them to live a long, healthy life. • Offer everyone a good chance for a healthy life. Public Health code messages (not great to use with community members) • Eliminating health disparities • Focusing in the Social Determinants of Health
Be strategic in how you talk about it! • Crafting engaging messages is critical. • Be aware of “frames.” • Equity ≠ Equality • Remember personal responsibility / behavior • Resource: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation http://www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=66428
Health Equity Strategiesfrom the NC Prevention Plan • * Promote economic security • Increase use of the Earned Income Tax Credit • Increase awareness of eligibility for federal services • Increase availability of affordable housing and utilities • Expand opportunities for high quality early childhood education and health programs • * Increase high school graduation rate • Example =Wake County school assignment economic integration – be aware of the messaging! http://www.nciom.org/projects/prevention/finalreport/Prevention-Chpt11.pdf
Sample Health Equity Measures to drive Strategies • See handout • Income Inequality – Gini Index • Table B19083 of ACS • % of population using more than 30% of their income for rent • Possible Strategy – VITA sites to expand use of the earned income tax credit. • http://www.cbpp.org/eic2009/calculator/
Contact J. Nelson-Weaver, Executive Director Health Partners (Healthy Carolinians of Buncombe County) 828.250.5205 j.nelson-weaver@healthpartnerswnc.org