Introduction
Health is not only determined by access to healthcare services but by a complex interplay of factors such as income, education, housing, employment, and the physical and social environments we live in. Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health examines the root causes of health disparities and the ways in which structural inequalities affect individual and population health outcomes. This course provides healthcare professionals, public health leaders, policy makers, and social workers with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to address social determinants of health (SDOH) and work toward achieving health equity for all.
By exploring the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to health disparities, participants will learn to identify barriers to health and develop effective interventions aimed at reducing inequities. With a focus on both local and global contexts, this course aims to inspire action, equipping participants with the skills to promote inclusive policies and services that improve the well-being of underserved populations.
Because health should not be determined by your zip code, race, or socioeconomic status—it’s a basic human right that everyone should have equal access to.
Latest Trends in Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health
The landscape of Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health is evolving as healthcare systems worldwide recognize the importance of addressing the social and economic factors that shape health outcomes. Key trends include:
1. Recognition of the Role of Social Determinants in Health Outcomes
There is increasing recognition that factors such as education, employment, food security, and housing play a significant role in an individual’s health, prompting healthcare systems to incorporate these factors into care models and health policies.
2. Focus on Intersectionality in Health Disparities
Health inequities are increasingly understood through an intersectional lens, recognizing that factors such as race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and immigration status combine to shape health outcomes and access to care.
3. Integration of Health Equity into Healthcare Delivery
Healthcare organizations are incorporating health equity frameworks into their care delivery models, ensuring that care is equitable and accessible to all, especially vulnerable and marginalized populations.
4. Expansion of Community-Based Health Initiatives
Efforts to improve health equity are increasingly being driven by community-based approaches, with local organizations, grassroots movements, and public-private partnerships working to address social determinants at the community level.
5. Digital Health and Equity Gaps
While digital health tools offer great potential for improving healthcare access and delivery, they can also exacerbate health disparities if they are not designed to be inclusive of populations with limited digital access, literacy, or resources.
6. Policy Advancements and Global Health Equity Movements
There is growing advocacy at both the local and global levels for policies that address the root causes of health inequities, including social, economic, and environmental factors, with an emphasis on social justice and human rights.
Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for healthcare professionals, public health officials, social workers, policymakers, and community leaders who are committed to reducing health disparities and promoting health equity across all populations.
This course is perfect for:
- Public health professionals and epidemiologists focused on health disparities
- Healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals, seeking to improve care for underserved populations
- Social workers and community health workers involved in addressing social determinants of health
- Health equity advocates and policymakers working to influence policy at local, state, or national levels
- Researchers and students interested in social justice, health policy, or public health
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other entities working in global health, humanitarian aid, or community development
Whether working in clinical care, public health research, or social service organizations, Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health provides the knowledge and tools necessary to create more equitable health systems and address the root causes of health disparities.
Learning Objectives and Outcome for the Course Sponsor
Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health provides participants with the skills to critically analyze and address the root causes of health disparities, integrating strategies to promote health equity into their professional practices and policy decisions.
Key Learning Objectives
- Understand the Concept of Health Equity
- Define health equity and distinguish it from equality
- Explore the social, political, and economic factors that contribute to health inequities at both local and global levels
- Analyze Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
- Identify the major social determinants of health, including income, education, housing, employment, food security, and social support networks
- Understand how these factors affect health outcomes and contribute to health disparities
- Examine the Role of Intersectionality in Health Disparities
- Explore how race, gender, class, disability, and other social identities intersect to impact health outcomes
- Analyze the compounded effects of multiple forms of discrimination and marginalization on health
- Assess the Impact of Policies on Health Equity
- Learn how policies at local, national, and global levels contribute to or mitigate health disparities
- Critically examine healthcare, social, and economic policies through an equity lens
- Develop Health Equity Strategies for Healthcare Delivery
- Learn how to integrate health equity into healthcare delivery models and patient care
- Develop patient-centered care strategies that address the specific needs of marginalized populations
- Promote Community-Based Health Initiatives
- Design and implement community-based interventions to address social determinants of health
- Explore the role of community health workers and local organizations in improving health equity
- Address the Digital Divide in Healthcare
- Explore the challenges and opportunities of digital health tools in promoting health equity
- Develop strategies to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to digital health services
- Advocate for Health Equity and Policy Change
- Learn how to advocate for policies that address health disparities and promote social justice
- Develop skills to influence policy and practice to create systems that promote health equity
Organizational Outcomes
- Improved Health Outcomes for Vulnerable Populations
Organizations will be better equipped to design and implement policies and interventions that address the social determinants of health and reduce health disparities in their communities. - Stronger Health Equity Programs
Healthcare systems will develop more inclusive and equitable care models, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, receive the care they need. - More Inclusive and Accessible Healthcare Services
Health services will become more inclusive, addressing the unique needs of marginalized populations and ensuring that all individuals have access to quality care. - Increased Advocacy and Policy Impact
Professionals will be empowered to advocate for and contribute to the development of health policies that promote equity, reduce disparities, and address the social determinants of health.
Course Methodology
This course blends theory with practical application, combining lectures, case studies, group discussions, and community-based exercises. Participants will engage in scenario planning, policy analysis, and strategic interventions that address health disparities.
Core training components include:
Introduction to Health Equity and SDOH Workshops
- Explore key concepts such as health equity, equality, and the social determinants of health
- Analyze real-world case studies to identify health inequities and their underlying causes
Intersectionality and Health Disparities Sessions
- Discuss the concept of intersectionality and its role in shaping health outcomes
- Explore case studies that demonstrate the compounded effects of multiple forms of marginalization
Policy Analysis for Health Equity Clinics
- Critically examine healthcare policies and their impact on health disparities
- Learn how to use policy analysis tools to assess and improve health equity in healthcare systems
Community-Based Health Interventions Labs
- Design community-based programs that address social determinants of health
- Explore how grassroots movements and local organizations contribute to health equity
Bridging the Digital Divide in Healthcare Sessions
- Learn how digital health tools can support or hinder health equity
- Develop strategies for making digital health tools more accessible to underserved populations
Advocacy and Policy Change Strategies Workshops
- Develop advocacy skills to influence health equity policies at the local, national, and international levels
- Practice crafting policy briefs and campaigns for health equity
Capstone Health Equity Project
- Teams design a comprehensive health equity initiative aimed at addressing social determinants of health in a specific population or community
- Present the project to peers and instructors for feedback and discussion
Participants will receive a digital toolkit including:
- Health equity program planning templates
- Policy analysis frameworks
- Digital health accessibility resources
- Community engagement strategies for health equity
The course is available as a 5-day intensive in-person workshop, a modular online program, or a blended learning option for healthcare systems, public health agencies, educational institutions, and NGOs.
Why It Matters in Today’s World
Health disparities are a persistent challenge that affects individuals and communities across the world. By addressing the social determinants of health and advocating for health equity, healthcare professionals can help create a future where everyone, regardless of their social or economic status, has the opportunity to lead a healthy life.
Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health empowers participants to become leaders in reducing health disparities and creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare system for all.
