Health Equity to Address the Health of All Georgians- Georgia Department of Public Health Epidemiology Section
Abstract
Background:
Health equity (HE) is achieved when everyone has a fair opportunity to attain their full potential for health and well-being. Achieving health requires focused societal efforts to address inequalities, injustices, and social determinants of health (SDoH). In Georgia, racial disparities are observed in maternal and child health. In their 2022-2025 strategic plan, DPH seeks to eliminate health disparities and promote a healthy quality of life for all Georgians. DPH Epidemiology (EPI) is developing a framework to establish HE as the foundation for all aspects of EPI work to address the underlying/root causes of HE.
Methods
EPI created an HE workgroup composed of a representative group of epidemiologists in October 2021. They evaluated the EPI section’s mission and vision, identified internal (DPH EPI) and external (other states/jurisdictions) HE models and projects, and held a strategic planning session. The workgroup is examining the EPI workforce makeup, SDoH indicators in EPI data collection and analysis, training and data modernization needs, identifying stakeholders, and assessing data impact on policy.
Results/Anticipated Results
The HE workgroup created these subgroups: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workforce; Data Collection and Quality; Data Analysis and Evaluation; and Communication and Policy. A logic model helped visualize and guide efforts. In-depth HE training emerged as a need across all subgroups. Discussions include evaluating hiring processes; creating and reinforcing multi-sectorial and community partnerships; enhancing data collection, analysis, and data dissemination methods; providing data driven program/policy recommendations
Conclusion
Priority areas identified included diverse and inclusive EPI workforce equipped in analyzing, interpreting and disseminating disease specific data to address health and disparities; improve program effectiveness to promote equitable opportunities to be healthy; increase community engagement to create solutions and policies based on partnerships. HE training and stakeholder engagement are the underpinning of realizing these priority areas, and to address the health of all Georgians.
Keywords
Health Equity, Social Determinants of Health
Health Equity to Address the Health of All Georgians- Georgia Department of Public Health Epidemiology Section
Background:
Health equity (HE) is achieved when everyone has a fair opportunity to attain their full potential for health and well-being. Achieving health requires focused societal efforts to address inequalities, injustices, and social determinants of health (SDoH). In Georgia, racial disparities are observed in maternal and child health. In their 2022-2025 strategic plan, DPH seeks to eliminate health disparities and promote a healthy quality of life for all Georgians. DPH Epidemiology (EPI) is developing a framework to establish HE as the foundation for all aspects of EPI work to address the underlying/root causes of HE.
Methods
EPI created an HE workgroup composed of a representative group of epidemiologists in October 2021. They evaluated the EPI section’s mission and vision, identified internal (DPH EPI) and external (other states/jurisdictions) HE models and projects, and held a strategic planning session. The workgroup is examining the EPI workforce makeup, SDoH indicators in EPI data collection and analysis, training and data modernization needs, identifying stakeholders, and assessing data impact on policy.
Results/Anticipated Results
The HE workgroup created these subgroups: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workforce; Data Collection and Quality; Data Analysis and Evaluation; and Communication and Policy. A logic model helped visualize and guide efforts. In-depth HE training emerged as a need across all subgroups. Discussions include evaluating hiring processes; creating and reinforcing multi-sectorial and community partnerships; enhancing data collection, analysis, and data dissemination methods; providing data driven program/policy recommendations
Conclusion
Priority areas identified included diverse and inclusive EPI workforce equipped in analyzing, interpreting and disseminating disease specific data to address health and disparities; improve program effectiveness to promote equitable opportunities to be healthy; increase community engagement to create solutions and policies based on partnerships. HE training and stakeholder engagement are the underpinning of realizing these priority areas, and to address the health of all Georgians.
