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 Availability Equal chance 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.   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

Health Equity Strategies from 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! on-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. 

Contact J. Nelson-Weaver, Executive Director Health Partners (Healthy Carolinians of Buncombe County)