Online Program

Oral

Priority populations are disproportionately impacted by availability of alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy food options in their communities. Overconcentration of alcohol and tobacco outlets is compounded by few, if any, options to purchase healthy food in many communities. In order to attain health equity, it is necessary to invest in the health of communities. This session will present approaches that invest in tobacco control in tribal communities, an approach for policy change and advocacy that is creating to leadership development in priority populations, investment that is bringing healthy food outlets to underserved communities, and investments in research to reduce alcohol's impact in neighborhoods. While public health professionals are beginning to acknowledge the health disparities exist in priority populations, there is limited understanding of approaches that address disparities. One-size-fits-all programs may not be adequate for many communities that experience generations of historical trauma and disenfranchisement. Tailored programs and approaches that focus on specific priority populations are often needed, along with evaluation and research to demonstrate their impact. This session presents initiatives underway to improve health equity by investing in people and efforts to improve health.

Session Objectives: Participants will be able to 1) Identify ways health disparities impact communities, 2) Describe several policy approaches to increase health equity, 3) Compare advocacy/policy approaches used for alcohol, tobacco, and food

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)