POLICY BRIEF

Policy Brief: Health Equity
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Policy Brief: Health Equity
According to the American Public Health Association (APHA), health equity refers to the equal opportunity for all individuals to receive high-quality health care. Inequities in public health result from barriers that hinder individuals or communities from accessing the aforementioned conditions. It is imperative to understand that health inequities differ from health disparities, with the latter focusing on the different health statuses between demographic and social aspects, for instance, gender, and race. Nevertheless, the APHA argues that health disparities are among several factors that can be used to assess progress to health equity. This policy brief previews health inequity as a challenge to public health. Subsequently, the discussions will present background information on the issue, present a problem statement, provide suggestions to address the issue and assess the impact on the health care delivery system.
Background Information
Affected Population
Benjamin (2015) defines health equity as social justice in the health sector. Furthermore, the author cautions on the misapprehension of access for equity. With this definition, it is impossible to talk about inequity in health without touching on issues of bias, discrimination, and racism. For example, the Medicare program was passed into law one year before the establishment of the Civil Rights Act CITATION Ben15 l 2057 (Benjamin, 2015).

Although these federal laws forced hospitals to integrate their services and staff, disparities still persist. For instance, Benjamin (2015) notes that while all elderly individuals have access to health care, senior citizens from minority groups have higher rates of disability and premature deaths from diabetes when compared to their Caucasian counterparts. As such, inequities in the health sector mainly affect minority populations.
Government Levels
Systemic mechanisms (policies), at local, state or national level have played an interactive role in fostering health inequity CITATION Wei17 l 2057 (Weinstein, Geller, Negussie, & Baciu, 2017). For instance, racial segregation in neighborhoods may result from preferences of buyers and landlords. However, it is imperative to note that segregation was formulated by law and legitimized by the justice system and other cultural establishments and still remains a cause of health inequity CITATION Wei17 l 2057 (Weinstein, Geller, Negussie, & Baciu, 2017).
Evidence
As mentioned above, residential segregation may help propagate health inequity. Weinstein, Geller, Negussie, and Baciu (2017) notes that racism is associated with differential power relations between social groups. In essence, toxic and waste sites are more often than not situated near minority settlements, in turn reducing the risk of hazardous exposure to nonminority populations. Perhaps the best example in recent times is the Flint water crisis in Michigan. The crisis would have been averted, were it not for the government’s discerning failure.
Problem Statement
Health risks are intricately associated with the social determinants of health, the ability to receive high-quality health care and assuming healthy conducts CITATION Ben15 l 2057 (Benjamin, 2015). Examples of social determinants comprise safe neighborhoods, inexpensive but quality health care, good education and decent employment. Bias, discrimination, and racism also constitute social determinants of health. Acknowledging the above makes it easier to comprehend why some communities have been stuck in vicious cycles of poor health for years. Past discriminatory policies made it impossible for minority groups to access quality health care. It is imperative that stakeholders in the public health sector accept the damaging legacy of discriminatory policies and face the upward task of ensuring attainment of health equity.
Suggestions to Address Health Inequity
According to Ross (2013), improving health literacy among the general population should be the first step in the quest for health equity. Additionally, the author notes that achieving health equity requires a multidisciplinary approach, and reiterates the importance of incorporating public health into medical programs. Another proposition is to increase funding for public health research. Ross (2013) argues that this research should be aimed at identifying the determinants of disease (behavioral, socioeconomic and environmental).
Marmot and Allen (2014) argue that it is a political priority to ensure health equity in a country where the distribution of wealth is dependent on income and welfare policies. The above can be achieved by formulation of strategies that provide universal health care that is equitable in both access and outcomes CITATION Mar14 l 2057 (Marmot & Allen, 2014). Nevertheless, greater influence necessitates even greater action. As such, Marmot and Allen (2014) note that changes should be effected in all social and economic aspects to realize health equity.
Implications and Conclusion
Srinivasan and Williams (2014) note that achieving equity in the healthcare sector is beneficial in a number of ways. Firstly, research on effective health equity programs provides invaluable data for identifying factors that negatively affect health. This data may also be used to sensitize health systems with regards to cultural diversity. Secondly, shifting to a health equity model will aid in comprehension of multifaceted and multidisciplinary interactions that are vital in promoting health and improve healthy behaviors CITATION Sri14 l 2057 (Srinivasan & Williams, 2014). Another implication is the development of community resilience and partnerships that allow community participation in the institution of health equity interventions, further promoting quality health delivery CITATION Sri14 l 2057 (Srinivasan & Williams, 2014).
In conclusion, health inequity is a hard task to tackle. It requires more than good intentions and new policies. The paper has provided a policy brief on the matter. It is imperative that an all-inclusive approach is taken to ensure the issue is resolved.
References
BIBLIOGRAPHY American Public Health Association. (n.d.). Health Equity. Retrieved from American Public Health Association: https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/health-equity
Benjamin, G. C. (2015, May 19). Health Equity and Social Justice: A Health Improvement Tool. Views from the Field.
Marmot, M., & Allen, J. J. (2014). Social Determinants of Health Equity. American Journal of Public Health, 104(Suppl 4), S517-S519.
Ross, W. R. (2013). Promoting Health Equity: A New Challenge for Frontiers in Public Health. Frontiers in Public Health, 1(27), 1-3.
Srinivasan, S., & Williams, S. D. (2014). Transitioning from Health Disparities to a Health Equity Research Agenda: The Time Is Now. Public Health Report, 129(Suppl 2), 71-76.
Weinstein, J. N., Geller, A., Negussie, Y., & Baciu, A. (2017). Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity. Washington, DC: The National Academic Press.