Health Equity Coalition

What Drives Health?• Where we live, work, learn and play can have an impact on

how long and well we live than medical care. • The relationship between how we live our lives and the

economic, social and physical environments that surround us has resulted in some of America’s most persistent health problems.

• At the same time, improving conditions in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities can help create greater opportunities for healthy lives.– RWJ Commission to Build a Healthier America

• “In countries at all levels of income, health and illness follow a social gradient: the lower the socioeconomic position, the worse the health status.”

• WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health

Average Life Expectancy

Years of Life65.1 – 74.274.3 – 75.575.6 – 76.576.6 – 77.577.6 – 80.9 Source: 2000 Community Health Status Report (HRSA)

Heart Disease Death Rates

Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged ≥20 years with diagnosed diabetes, 2007

MMWR 58:1259-1263, 2009

Diabetes in America

1999

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. AdultsBRFSS, 1990, 1999, 2008

(*BMI 30, or about 30 lbs. overweight for 5’4” person)

2008

1990

No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30%

Mission

• The mission of the Office of Health Equity in the Community Health Division is to assure that the burden and impact of diseases on vulnerable populations are acknowledged and addressed through research, advocacy, surveillance, education, training, and program development. The OHE will work to promote, protect and improve the health well-being of minority and under-served populations through the wide-ranging programs and policy initiatives.

More Than Health Care- Social Determinants of Health

• Income and Social Status/Poverty• Education• Early Childhood Experience• Social Support Networks/Social Environment• Employment/Working conditions• Housing• Neighborhoods/Communities/Physical Environment• Culture• Gender• Chronic Stress/Racism/Discrimination• Personal Health Behaviors and Coping Skills• Health Services/Access to Care

Social and Physical Determinants of Health

• W

WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health

Healthy People 2020• Vision – A society in which all people live long,

healthy lives• Overarching goals:– Eliminate preventable disease, disability, injury and

premature death.– Achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve

the health of all groups.– Create social and physical environments that promote

good health for all.– Promote healthy development and healthy behaviors

across every stage of life.