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Letting Community Take the Wheel
In our previous blog post, The E Word, we explored ways to talk about barriers to health without relying on often misunderstood or politicized terms. But what do we do next, to actually start breaking down those barriers? It starts with community.
The E Word
Many of us are rethinking how we talk about key public health values. But you know what? Some of the words we often reach for—including equity—were never landing the way we hoped. So, what if we meet this moment with a fresh commitment to saying what we really mean? Check out these evidence-based strategies that are rooted in public health values, connect with more people, and move the conversation forward.
Why Bus Lines Aren’t Run by Health Departments
As public health practitioners, we understand that many drivers of health are beyond the traditional scope of our departments. I recently heard someone say, “I can’t create a bus system run by the health department!” It was a lighthearted comment – but it captured a serious truth: the challenges we face are too complex for any one agency to solve alone. By centering communities most impacted by health inequities, we can design interventions that are effective, equitable, and publicly supported.
And— good news! —we have tools to help us think about how we build partnerships with community.
Making Equity a Daily Practice
Health equity is more than just a buzzword in public health—it's a practice that requires attention to detail in everyday actions. While large-scale initiatives are vital, public health professionals can create meaningful change through small, intentional actions in our daily work. Ask yourself: Does the data we collect truly represent the communities we serve? Are there simple adjustments we can make to ensure our data is more complete, and actionable, helping us uncover and address gaps in access to services?
Talking Data, Equity, or Partnerships? Start with Values.
Do you have data you want to tell people about? Are health equity topics heavy on your mind, and you want others to understand? Are you working to develop a partnership? Here’s one thing you can do to help your words land in the way you intend.
Know what values the people you’re trying to reach have in common with you, as a public health professional. Name those values. Say them loud, proud, and first. When you take a moment to connect in this way, others may be more ready to hear your data, talk about equity, and take action together.