Investments in I: Achieving Investments in Health I: Shiriki Kumanyika, PhD, MPH Achieving Health Equity University of Pennsylvania School

Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH Weight of the Nation Conference University of Texas Health Science Washington, D.C. Center July 2009 Roberta Duncan, MPH, RD Produced by the Alabama Department of Public Health Navajo Nation Video Communications and Distance Learning Division

Investments in Health I: What Are Health Disparities? Achieving Health Equity • Differences in the incidence and prevalence of health conditions and Moderator: Johnnie (Chip) Allen, MPH health status between groups Ohio Department of Health

Social Determinants of Health What Are Health Inequities?

• Social determinants of health are life- • Health disparities are referred to as enhancing resources, such as food health inequities when they are the supply, housing, economic and result of the systematic and unjust social relationships, transportation, distribution of these critical education, and health care, whose conditions (social determinants) distribution across populations effectively determines length and quality of life”

1 What is Health Equity?

• Health equity is the fair distribution of health determinants, outcomes, and resources within and between segments of the population, regardless of social standing

Disparities In • CDC analyzed data from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys conducted during 2006–2008 • Overall, for the 3-year period, 25.6% of non-Hispanic blacks, non- Hispanic whites, and Hispanics were obese

Disparities In Obesity Disparities In Obesity • Non-Hispanic blacks (35.7%) had • However, state prevalences varied 51% greater prevalence of obesity, substantially, ranging from 23.0% and Hispanics (28.7%) had 21% (New Hampshire) to 45.1% (Maine) greater prevalence, when compared for non-Hispanic blacks, from 21.0% with non-Hispanic whites (23.7%) () to 36.7% () for Hispanics, and from 9.0% (District of Columbia [DC]) to 30.2% (West Virginia) for non-Hispanic whites

2 Disparities In Obesity Question to Expert Panel • Given the overall high prevalence of • We have briefly reviewed new data obesity & the significant differences among non-Hispanic blacks, non- from CDC which highlights health Hispanic whites, and Hispanics, disparities relative to obesity. What effective policies & environmental is the mindset needed by our leaders strategies that promote healthy to implement and sustain policy and eating and physical activity are needed for all populations and environmental changes to eliminate geographic areas, but particularly for these disparities and achieve health those populations and areas equity as it relates to obesity disproportionally affected by obesity prevention and control?

Question #2 Question #3 • To what degree do you feel that the • What particular social determinant(s) public health community has the are the most difficult to address in necessary understanding and/or the elimination of health disparities comfort level to address the complex relative to obesity? surrounding health inequities?

Question #4 Question #5 • What are some of the most • How critical a role must the promising developments at the achievement of health equity play in local, state or national level that you the current discussion and feel move us toward the elimination implementation of Health Reform? of obesity health disparities and the achievement of health equity?

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