Addressing Racial Inequities Using a Racial Equity Impact Assessment to Facilitate Systemic Change
Abstract
A Racial Equity Impact Assessment (REIA) is a systematic examination of how different racial and ethnic groups will likely be affected by a proposed action or decision. REIAs are used to minimize unanticipated adverse consequences across different contexts, which include the analysis of proposed policies, institutional practices, programs, plans, and budgetary decisions. Historically, REIAs have been used in the United Kingdom, with recent adoption in the United States, but minimal use of this instrument/guidance has been found among public health practitioners in Georgia. As the REIA can be a vital tool for strategic planning and addressing inequities, this presentation seeks to review the ten (10) components of a REIA used to anticipate, assess, and prevent the potential adverse consequences of proposed actions on different racial groups. These components include: 1) identifying stakeholders; 2) engaging stakeholders; 3) identifying and documenting racial inequities; 4) examining the causes; 5) clarifying the purpose; 6) considering adverse impacts; 7) advancing equitable impacts; 8) examining alternatives or improvements; 9) ensuring viability; and 10) identifying success indicators. At the request of the Macon-Bibb County Health Department in Macon, Georgia, a Racial Equity Impact Assessment was conducted prior to their decision to implement the Health Coaches for Hypertension Control Program (HCHC). In 2018, Health Coaches for Hypertension Control was designated as an evidence-based program by the Administration for Community Living/Administration on Aging (ACL). This designation now enables organizations that use HCHC to be reimbursed through the Older Americans Act Title III-D funding.
Keywords
Equity, Assessment, Inequities
Addressing Racial Inequities Using a Racial Equity Impact Assessment to Facilitate Systemic Change
A Racial Equity Impact Assessment (REIA) is a systematic examination of how different racial and ethnic groups will likely be affected by a proposed action or decision. REIAs are used to minimize unanticipated adverse consequences across different contexts, which include the analysis of proposed policies, institutional practices, programs, plans, and budgetary decisions. Historically, REIAs have been used in the United Kingdom, with recent adoption in the United States, but minimal use of this instrument/guidance has been found among public health practitioners in Georgia. As the REIA can be a vital tool for strategic planning and addressing inequities, this presentation seeks to review the ten (10) components of a REIA used to anticipate, assess, and prevent the potential adverse consequences of proposed actions on different racial groups. These components include: 1) identifying stakeholders; 2) engaging stakeholders; 3) identifying and documenting racial inequities; 4) examining the causes; 5) clarifying the purpose; 6) considering adverse impacts; 7) advancing equitable impacts; 8) examining alternatives or improvements; 9) ensuring viability; and 10) identifying success indicators. At the request of the Macon-Bibb County Health Department in Macon, Georgia, a Racial Equity Impact Assessment was conducted prior to their decision to implement the Health Coaches for Hypertension Control Program (HCHC). In 2018, Health Coaches for Hypertension Control was designated as an evidence-based program by the Administration for Community Living/Administration on Aging (ACL). This designation now enables organizations that use HCHC to be reimbursed through the Older Americans Act Title III-D funding.
