The term health equity should not be confused with health equality and health disparity. Health equity is defined as the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. Achieving health equity requires addressing historical and contemporary injustices; overcoming economic, social, and other obstacles to health care; and eliminating preventable health disparities. This panel will explore why and how health equity is different from health equality, and present examples of interventions that addressed health equity and the social determinants of health. Panel members will also present ways that funders can support health equity interventions and some of the challenges to anticipate. Finally, the impact that historical trauma in disinvested communities can have on program implementation will be discussed, including how to assist communities while enacting change.

Moderator

Nicholas St. Fleur

Science Reporter, STAT; Host, Color Code Podcast

Speakers

Juliet K. Choi

President and CEO, Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum

Kimberly Driggins

Executive Director, Washington Housing Conservancy

Jason Farley

Director, Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation (CIDNI); Endowed Professor, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing

Kara Odom Walker

Executive Vice President, Chief Population Health Officer, Nemours Children’s Hospitals