Healthy Community Requirements

Health Equity

Health equity occurs when all people have a similar opportunity to be healthy, and no one is disadvantaged from being healthy because of their social position or circumstances. The Utah Healthy Places Index shows that groups of people with social, economic, racial/ethnic, and geographic disadvantages also have higher rates of chronic disease and mortality. By improving upstream factors such as income, education, discrimination, housing, transportation, and access to resources, communities can ensure that all residents have a fair opportunity to live well.

 

Visualizing Health Equity: One Size Does not Fit All

RWJF bikes equality equity PURPLE

Achieving health equity

  • Use tools, such as the Utah Healthy Places Index, to identify areas where health disparities exist and prioritize work in those areas.
  • Seek input from diverse community members and diverse community leaders to better understand their needs
  • Increase health knowledge and awareness among community members by disseminating culturally-appropriate materials and implementing relevant health strategies.
  • Consider health equity in all practices, including when seeking funds, organizing councils, forming partnerships, etc.
  • Seek partnerships and join coalitions that work to address health equity.

Data Sources

Resources