Health equity New!

Health equity refers to the fair opportunity for every individual to be as healthy as possible. Health disparities are the differences experienced by individuals or groups in both access to health care and in achieving an optimal level of health. Both concepts relate to health-care services and access, and they also refer to general physical and mental health and well-being. Social determinants of health are societal influences and behaviors that can cause poor (or good) health. These mostly non-medical factors often are broad policy or community issues, and not necessarily individual behaviors.

In general, ensuring health equity means removing obstacles to health such as discrimination (racial disparities), poverty, stigma, and lack of access to jobs, education, housing, transportation, and safe...