Lessons Learned from a Health Equity Initiative Implemented in a State Health Department Epidemiology Program
Abstract
Health equity (HE) is achieved when everyone has a fair opportunity to attain their full potential for health and well-being. To achieve HE goals, the Georgia Department of Public Health Epidemiology program (EPI), established a HE workgroup in October 2021.This abstract presents the progress made thus far and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement.
EPI established four subgroups of epidemiologists from various subject matter areas and backgrounds to implement an HE framework throughout our EPI program. Surveys were conducted to understand EPI HE needs and to better support our DPH programmatic partners. An overarching logic model was created alongside subgroup-specific SMARTIE goals. Since their inception, the workgroups have followed the framework outlined in the logic model and refined SMARTIE goals to meet current needs.
We identified the need to create an additional subgroup to represent local public health epidemiologists and their pivotal role in working with GA's diverse communities. The subgroups presented survey results, developed a DEI newsletter, inclusive language guide, finalized the minimum HE data elements across the EPI program, and implemented HE trainings to develop an HE-competent workforce. We strengthened our HE competencies within EPI, despite delays and changing EPI staff.
While the EPI health equity workgroup has made tremendous progress, it was not without challenges. One, the scope of some initiatives was broader than initially planned and we recognized that EPI has a supporting role in the larger HE efforts across Georgia. Next, EPI provides data that drive HE centered programs but does not lead HE initiatives for the agency. Finally, there is no dedicated to funding to support these efforts and progress has been made largely due to in-kind work by EPI staff. Despite these challenges, EPI continues to support and advance HE work within Georgia through improved data and an HE competent EPI workforce.
Keywords
health equity, epidemiology
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Lessons Learned from a Health Equity Initiative Implemented in a State Health Department Epidemiology Program
Health equity (HE) is achieved when everyone has a fair opportunity to attain their full potential for health and well-being. To achieve HE goals, the Georgia Department of Public Health Epidemiology program (EPI), established a HE workgroup in October 2021.This abstract presents the progress made thus far and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement.
EPI established four subgroups of epidemiologists from various subject matter areas and backgrounds to implement an HE framework throughout our EPI program. Surveys were conducted to understand EPI HE needs and to better support our DPH programmatic partners. An overarching logic model was created alongside subgroup-specific SMARTIE goals. Since their inception, the workgroups have followed the framework outlined in the logic model and refined SMARTIE goals to meet current needs.
We identified the need to create an additional subgroup to represent local public health epidemiologists and their pivotal role in working with GA's diverse communities. The subgroups presented survey results, developed a DEI newsletter, inclusive language guide, finalized the minimum HE data elements across the EPI program, and implemented HE trainings to develop an HE-competent workforce. We strengthened our HE competencies within EPI, despite delays and changing EPI staff.
While the EPI health equity workgroup has made tremendous progress, it was not without challenges. One, the scope of some initiatives was broader than initially planned and we recognized that EPI has a supporting role in the larger HE efforts across Georgia. Next, EPI provides data that drive HE centered programs but does not lead HE initiatives for the agency. Finally, there is no dedicated to funding to support these efforts and progress has been made largely due to in-kind work by EPI staff. Despite these challenges, EPI continues to support and advance HE work within Georgia through improved data and an HE competent EPI workforce.
