The Intersection of Health and Justice: Understanding the Importance of Health Equity
Health equity refers to the absence of systematic disparities in health between social, economic, and geographic groups. Achieving health equity means everyone has a fair and just opportunity to achieve their best possible health outcomes. Unfortunately, inequities in health continue to impact populations across the globe, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only further shed light on these disparities.
The intersection of health and justice is a crucial area to focus on, as social determinants of health play a significant role in creating and sustaining health inequities. Factors such as income, education, and social support systems influence our health and well-being, regardless of access to healthcare services.
For example, studies show that low-income Americans are more likely to have chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which can lead to significant health complications and early mortality. Yet, access to preventive services, such as medical screenings, is limited for many individuals in low-income communities.
The healthcare system itself may also contribute to health inequities, as marginalized communities often receive inadequate care and treatment due to biases held by healthcare providers or inadequate resources in their communities.
However, health equity is not only a matter of individual factors and biases – it is also influenced by systemic factors such as institutional policies and practices. Many institutions have a history of perpetuating discriminatory practices, which have lasting effects on the health of marginalized communities. For example, redlining, a practice prevalent in the US in the 1940s, prevented minority individuals from accessing government-funded housing loans, which has led to decades of concentrated poverty and poor health outcomes in these areas.
Efforts to promote health equity can take many forms, from policies that ensure access to affordable housing, to improving access to healthy foods and drinkable water. In healthcare, promoting health equity means understanding and acknowledging the systemic barriers that prevent marginalized communities from receiving adequate care and addressing them directly.
As healthcare providers, we must recognize and acknowledge the social determinants of health, and work towards addressing the underlying barriers that prevent communities from receiving access to preventative and appropriate care. It is time to move beyond treating the symptoms of inequity and focus on addressing the broader structural issues that perpetuate health disparities. By doing so, we can create a world in which every individual has equal opportunity for health and well-being.
