Health Equity means that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their healthiest self. When communities work towards health equity, they identify and eliminate social and systemic barriers to health – including those related to poverty, low education, inadequate housing, a lack of safety and security, discrimination, and limited access to health care services.
Health starts in our homes, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities. – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Equality is typically defined as treating everyone the same and giving everyone access to the same opportunities. Equity refers to having similar outcomes in all populations.
Health Disparities are higher rates of disease, illness, injury, or disability experienced by certain groups compared to others. Some health disparities are Health Inequities and may be the result of preventable circumstances such as:
- Limited access to health care and health insurance
- Lack of transportation to address life needs
- Economic instability
- Housing insecurity
- Unsafe neighborhoods and traumatic life experiences
- Unhealthy environments
- Low education, including low literacy and low health literacy
Local Action
On June 29, 2020, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary’s County Public Schools, and the St. Mary’s County Health Department signed a Joint Resolution to Advance Equity locally in regards to public safety, education and health. The partners established a St. Mary’s County Equity Task Force in recognition of the need to collaborate across sectors to better address equity overall.
The St. Mary’s County Health Department is dedicated to promoting health equity by:
- Identifying health disparities through data analysis
- Collaborating with local community partners and leaders to address health disparities and contributing social and systemic factors
- Developing and carrying out solutions that are respectful of community differences, and provide safe spaces for everyone
- Engaging in community outreach and providing community members with the resources and health information needed to advance their own health
Health Equity Webinar
The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) hosted a three-part webinar series to explore the topics of health equity, health disparities, and community action to eliminate social and systemic barriers to equity. Click here for a complete list of guest panelist.
- Health Equity & Health Disparities Overview
- COVID-19 and Health Disparities
- Community Efforts to Advance Equity
For more information about SMCHD efforts to advance health equity, email smchd.pr@maryland.gov or call (301) 475-4330.