Oral

On May 26 and 27, an ASTHO-convened group of state health officers and other health equity experts will participate in a strategic mapping of health equity work in support of the 50 states and 8 territories of the United States. Earlier this year, the Office of Minority Health unveiled its National Plan for Action to address health equity in this country. These long-term strategies seek to build on various community successes to effect change at a larger population level. They are now being implemented and definitive steps are being taken to address one of the most vital issues in our country- equality in the healthcare system and the possibility of good health for everyone. Building on the theme of this year’s APHA Annual Meeting “Social Justice: A Public Health Imperative”, ASTHO is partnering with APHA to convene a summit of public health leaders working to improve health equity. The panel discussion is designed to educate attendees regarding current Health Equity strategies. The panel discussion would also cover how these strategies can build on and continue the work in health equity taking place at state and local levels. The discussion would also address next steps, implementation of these strategies, and open the dialogue on efforts to inform future work in addressing Health Equity. The leaders’ participation will entail presence at the 90 minute panel, a 5-10 minute verbal presentation of current work and planning in addressing health equity, and participation in an open floor discussion. The session is a unique examination of the practical application of strategic planning, implementation, and integration principles to public health agencies addressing health equity as a cross-cutting measure.

Session Objectives: Explain current efforts and strategies to address health equity across national, state, and local levels of health. Demonstrate relationships between major agencies and contribute to the ongoing open dialogue on efforts to inform work and future endeavors on health equity. Compare strategies and implementations between major agencies and how they can work together.