Imagine a community where everyone has the chance to thrive –with high quality schools, good paying jobs, and affordable housing in safe neighborhoods. Imagine a community where differences in race, income, gender, ability, and perspectives are celebrated. Imagine a community where we could all experience this, regardless of where we live, the circumstances we were born into, or who we are.
If this vision were achieved, everyone would have a fair and just opportunity to live their healthiest lives.
We know this is not yet the reality for everyone. Differences in opportunity are the result of unfair and discriminatory policies and practices at many levels throughout society that have created deep-rooted barriers to health. Far too many people in our communities start behind and stay behind because of where we live, how much money we make, or discrimination we face because of who we are.
The guidance, tools, and activities here will help you understand and talk about equity, which affects residents in every community, especially people experiencing poor health outcomes. It will help you get started with understanding what equity is, why it matters, and how it relates to health.