Saskatoon's Action Plan to Reduce poverty and improve health equity: Using applied research to inform social action

While many jurisdictions have documented health disparities or inequalities, few public health departments have taken a leadership role in translating this research into community action for social justice. In 2005, Saskatoon Health Region produced data documenting the extent of health disparities in our region. Before public release, affected partners were informed and asked for their reactions, and support for interventions or actions that could be taken immediately. The media were also given embargoed data, and asked to present the information in the context of plans to address the underlying determinants of health. A pre-release survey of the public's awareness and support for potential interventions was conducted. The public release was well covered by local media, and included initial announcements of interventions,and plans for further research, evaluation, and action. Post release activities include releasing a comparative report on health disparity in urban Canada, as well as a literature review of evidence based programs and policies that have been shown to reduce inequity elsewhere. Advocacy has occurred at national, provincial and local levels. Recently, local leaders of the various affected sectors have endorsed a process for developing a community action plan to reduce poverty and improve health equity by engaging in dialogue with: their sectors, business leaders, faith communities, aboriginal groups, and people living in poverty. As interventions are adopted by various groups or levels of government, they are documented and evaluated to see if they are having the intended effect on reducing poverty and improving equity.