Elements of Success in Developing Robust Health Equity Efforts in Your Health Department

In 2011 the author designed a survey to identify states with successful strategies to address health equity through public health practice. The online survey was administered to all 59 state and US territorial chronic disease directors. The survey consisted of statements describing 13 health equity activities ranging from “There are regularly scheduled educational sessions like the Unnatural Causes series” to “There is health equity language in documents like RFPs and contracts”. Each statement was coded to identify the level of advancement in working toward health equity. Level I indicated beginning efforts with a focus on education and orientation; Level II indicated making progress with a focus on planning and data collection; and Level III showed the most advanced action representing movement toward institutional change.

Next, a sample of respondents was interviewed to gather more in-depth information not revealed by the survey. Based on the scoring five of the states who responded were identified as having more robust health equity efforts. Results of the survey and interviews were categorized and matched training opportunities and resources to help states strengthen health equity efforts. The author developed a dissemination plan that including tracking the use of the tools and their effectiveness in making changes within health departments.