The National Association of County and City Health Officials has launched its newly revamped signature series, the free online learning resource Roots of Health Inequity.
How does a nation achieve optimal health for all of its citizens? How do you ensure the pathway to better health outcomes is paved for everyone, regardless of their background or other social characteristics?
The roots of health equity are intertwined with those of public health’s advances, and building strong public health systems and infrastructure has been a core mission of public health for over 200 years. However, health inequities have cast a long shadow upon communities across the country, shaping the health outcomes of millions, especially those who have been marginalized by unjust policies and institutions. Addressing the inequities in public health requires collective action — an approach that includes policy change, community engagement, and targeted interventions to ensure that everyone can thrive.
Understanding health inequity
The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), which represents the country’s 3,300 county, city, and Tribal health departments, has launched its newly revamped signature series, the free online learning resource Roots of Health Inequity. Originally launched in 2011, Roots of Health Inequity has served as a beacon, illuminating the complex tapestry of systems, structures, and deeply ingrained histories that weave the fabric of inequitable health outcomes.
The course explores topics including the historical influences of public health and its roots in the social justice and labor movements of the 19th century; root causes related to race, gender, and class struggles; and how to build power to advance equity in public health practices. Updated to reflect the complexities of today, users can customize their experience for engaging and dynamic learning.
The all-new platform features a learner-centered interface that allows users to tailor their learning experience, listen to stories from the field, and facilitate group conversations about the content, both online and in person. Users will find that the course draws upon a mix of historical and recent events to discuss concepts that apply to current topics in public health practice.
A collective effort
The work of advancing health equity in our communities belongs to all of us. By understanding the root causes of health inequities, public health practitioners can effectively strategize and orient their organization’s programming to address the social or structural drivers of health inequities. We all have a role to play in advancing health equity and social justice in our communities, and Roots of Health Inequity lays out strategies to collaborate with others to do that work. Together, we can plant the seeds of change and watch them blossom into a healthier, more just society. To learn more, go to https://www.rootsofhealthinequity.org. Courses are offered in English and Spanish. For questions or to join our mailing list, please email [email protected].
