Enabling Public Health Action for Equity: The State Agency Role in Improving Where We Live, Learn, Work and Play

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has developed a Health Equity model that addresses health inequities by incorporating a social determinants of health (SDoH) perspective throughout the life course. This approach provides a comprehensive look at the SDoH and individual health behaviors and conditions that influence morbidity, mortality and quality of life. This model is now widely disseminated to public health professionals throughout Colorado and serves as the conceptual model of the Colorado Public Health Improvement Plan. In order to apply the Health Equity model in prevention activities, a coordinated, multi-tiered approach firmly based on SDoH data, is necessary to influence policies, granting, planning, community involvement and strategic collaborations. Over the past year, the SDoH workgroup at CDPHE has developed a set of resources to aid programs in incorporating the principles of equity into their program work. These resources have been incorporated into grant applications, staff trainings, communications, data collection and communication with external partners. Additional work continues to saturate this model throughout CDPHE programs, while beginning the process of broadening the reach of the model and tools to other state agencies and local partnerships.