Dismantling Racism:A Journey to Health Equity

The relationship between health inequalities and social inequality has been extensively researched and documented. This research shows us that health inequities are the result of social injustices, such as institutional racism. These injustices create an imbalance of power, which perpetuates health inequities. In 2001, the Chatham County Public Health Department initiated an innovative project to address the Healthy People 2010 goal to eliminate health disparities. The public health department began the Dismantling Racism Process. The goal of the process is to address institutional racism in efforts to reduce health disparities and inequities through social justice. This long-term and involves assessing the organization, determining what stage of development an organization is in becoming anti-racist, and developing a plan for change. Due to the Dismantling Racism Process, new policies aimed at creating social justice within the public health department have been created. For example, the Dismantling Racism Workshop is required for all new employees. All public health department staff are required to receive annual cultural competency and customer service training. Cultural competency questions are now included on health department customer surveys and interview questionnaires. Despite our successes there have also been challenges to the Dismantling Racism Process. These include resistance from staff, rumors about the process, and general misunderstanding of the process and the goals. The Dismantling Racism Process is an innovative way to address social injustices that can lead to organizational change and policy adoption. However, it is important to have individuals in leadership positions that support the process.