Health Equity in the Heartland

Despite improvements in healthcare access and technology, persistent health disparities remain for Oklahoma’s underserved populations. The Oklahoma Board of Health recognized the need to address health equity and established the Health Equity and Resource Opportunities (HERO) within the Community Development Service of the Oklahoma State Department of Health. HERO aims to address inequities in the distribution of the social determinants of health by strengthening relationships among faith-based organizations, social service organizations, businesses, community non-profits, tribal governments, community health boards, clinics and other health care providers, and the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

To highlight opportunities to build on the strengths, assets, and resources of a community, the HERO established the Oklahoma Health Equity Campaign (OHEC). OHEC raises awareness among state and community leaders of health inequities and engages them in conversation and action to address these inequities. OHEC places an emphasis on upstream policies to promote better health, such as: investing in schools, improving housing, integrating neighborhoods, creating living wage jobs with career ladders, and fostering equitable fiscal policies.

This presentation provides insights into the development of activities and products of HERO and OHEC. This presentation shows how a state health department can engage multi-sector partners to help them recognize the importance of addressing health with prevention rather than the solely the healthcare system. Oklahoma will describe its organizational and community outreach strategies for institutionalizing the advancement of health equity within programs and policies across the state.