Health equity is not possible without addressing disparities

Area of Science:

• Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine
• Health Equity Research
• Social Determinants of Health

Background:

• Health equity ensures optimal health opportunities for all, necessitating the removal of access barriers and equitable resource allocation.
• Reducing health disparities and addressing structural factors are crucial for advancing health equity.
• The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) is committed to promoting health equity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe NIMHD's efforts in workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and scientific initiatives.
• To outline actionable strategies for promoting health equity in health psychology research and practice.
• To highlight opportunities for transforming health through equitable interventions, systems changes, and policies.

Main Methods:

• Review of NIMHD's initiatives in workforce DEI and scientific programs.
• Summarization of five actionable strategies for health equity promotion.
• Analysis of the role of structural factors in health disparities.

Main Results:

• NIMHD focuses on workforce DEI and scientific initiatives to advance health equity.
• Key strategies include increasing workforce DEI, inclusive research, cultural humility, community engagement, and "beyond do no harm" principles.
• Significant shifts in approaches, resources, and social justice efforts are often required for meaningful equity work.

Conclusions:

• Advancing health equity requires dedicated resources, targeted social justice efforts, and systemic changes.
• Health psychology and behavioral medicine research can drive transformation through equitable interventions and policies.
• NIMHD supports innovative research to achieve effective and equitable health outcomes.