Oral

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) created the Roundtable on the Promotion of Health Equity and the Elimination of Health Disparities (RT) in 2007 in order to spotlight the poor health outcomes experienced by this country’s most vulnerable populations, particularly racial/ethnic minorities, as compared to the majority population. The RT is committed to identify initiatives to address the social determinants of health as well as understanding the role of improving health access and care delivery to address disparities. The RT has held 12 workshops across the country bringing together staff from federal agencies, staff from local health departments, community organizations, private industry, and philanthropic organizations (all having an interest in addressing issues surrounding health equity and health disparities). These workshops serve as a neutral meeting ground where stakeholders from various geographic areas can engage in dialogue, ultimately leading to actionable items including public and private sector opportunities and challenges for collaboration to improve health equity. The RT’s message and work has affected the field leading to policy change and forging new collaborations. The session will include five panel experts, all members of the RT. They will describe the process by which the RT has been successful in developing partnerships, how their work has impacted local and federal policy and will discuss strategies to address the future challenges of the changing demographics in the U.S.

Session Objectives: Describe the different national efforts currently underway to achieve health equity. Compare the approaches of the different sectors more invested in reducing health disparities (Federal, local, private and others). Identify opportunities that can help move forward the efforts to achieve health equity given the current economic and political situation.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)