A Clarion Call for Change: The MLP Imperative to Center Racial Discrimination and Structural Health Inequities.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Equity
• Social Determinants of Health

Background:

• The interdisciplinary Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) model has shown success in improving patient health outcomes.
• This success is attributed to recognizing the significant impact of social and environmental conditions on health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the successes of the MLP model in patient care.
• To identify critical barriers to advancing population health and long-term health equity within the MLP framework.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the impact of the interdisciplinary MLP health care delivery model.
• Review of the relationship between social and environmental conditions and health outcomes.

Main Results:

• The MLP model effectively improves patient health by integrating social and environmental considerations.
• The MLP field's potential for advancing population health and equity is currently limited.

Conclusions:

• While the MLP model improves individual patient health, it must address structural determinants to advance population health.
• Confronting racial and ethnic subordination, discrimination, and segregation is essential for achieving long-term health equity.