Health equity

Health equity

Collection:
Health Policy and Services Research
Series Title(s):
Sentinel community insights
Contributor(s):
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, issuing body.
Publication:
[Princeton, New Jersey] : Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, September 2019
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
Community Health Services
Culturally Competent Care
Health Equity
United States
Genre(s):
Technical Report
Abstract:
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Sentinel Communities Surveillance project, which began in 2016, monitors activities related to how a Culture of Health is developing in each of 30 diverse communities around the country. In the Snapshot and Community Portrait reports for each community, developed between 2017 and 2018, we described Sentinel Community efforts to promote the health and well‑being of their residents. This report on Health Equity is the first in a set of three reports that provide insights and themes drawn from all Sentinel Communities. The collection focuses on key topics that may be of value to stakeholders working to build a Culture of Health in their own communities. The other reports focus on the role of anchor institutions and the unique experiences of small communities. Health equity underpins RWJF's vision of a society in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to live the healthiest life possible. This vision is articulated in the Culture of Health Action Framework--depicting a holistic, integrated approach to population‑level health, well‑being and equity. The Framework includes four Action Areas: (1) Making Health a Shared Value; (2) Fostering Cross‑Sector Collaboration to Improve Well‑Being; (3) Creating Healthier, More Equitable Communities; and (4) Strengthening Integration of Health Services and Systems. The concept of health equity cuts across the Action Areas of the Framework. Through the lens of health equity, communities shape and form values about who has access to health‑promoting resources and how health is prioritized for population subgroups. Equity drives how organizations and sectors work together to make sure practices, policies, and investments are both equitable and effective. Achieving healthier, more equitable communities requires a focus on historical and structural conditions that have led to economic, social, and physical barriers to positive health outcomes. Finally, health equity shapes access to services; influences consumer experience with health care; and ensures balanced resource allocation across health and social services. This report provides insight into how 11 communities conceptualize health equity and how those perspectives influence strategies and approaches to promote health equity. While this report presents three broad ways of thinking about health equity, this summary is meant to be a springboard for deeper discussions within and across communities about how perspectives of equity shape approaches and actions. By sharing existing strategies being employed as communities work toward health equity--others can gain insight on ways to address and overcome systemic and long‑standing barriers to health and well‑being.
Copyright:
Reproduced with permission of the copyright holder. Further use of the material is subject to CC BY license. (More information)
Extent:
1 online resource (1 PDF file (16 pages))
Illustrations:
Illustrations
NLM Unique ID:
101770996 (See catalog record)
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101770996