What are health disparities and health equity? We need to be clear
Paula Braveman via Public Health Reports
What are health disparities and health equity? We need to be clear, a two-page article, helps readers understand the difference between health equity and health disparities.
This two page article by Dr. Paula Braveman, MD, MPH, comes from a Public Health Reports supplement that focused on the accomplishments and lessons learned from the 2012 Nursing in 3D: Workforce Diversity, Health Disparities and Social Determinants of Health summit. The article discusses the need for clarity on concepts of health disparities and health equity. The authors provide plain language definitions along with background information.
When to use
This article can be used to help community members, stakeholders, decision makers and staff understand the differences between health equity and health disparities. It is written in a non-academic voice and the concepts are easily understandable for multiple audiences.
Things to consider
It may be helpful to review the other topics in the supplement as the authors indicate that the topics featured in the entire supplement are linked to health equity.
Use this resource
What are health disparities and health equity? We need to be clear
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