Health equity and public health department accreditation

Health equity is commonly defined as \u201cthe attainment of the highest level of health for all people...Achieving health equity requires valuing everyone equally with focused and ongoing societal efforts to address avoidable inequalities, historic and contemporary injustices, and the elimination of health and healthcare disparities.\u201d Health equity is achieved when everyone in our society has the same opportunity to be as healthy as possible, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, or geographic location. According to the World Health Organization, good health is a fundamental human right, and everyone should have the opportunity to attain it. By addressing inequities, public health leaders can create opportunities for all people and communities to feel empowered to achieve the highest level of health.This report examines the link between state health departments\u2019 activities to advance health equity through the public health department standards set by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) to embrace a system-wide approach toward a culture of health equity. The health department plays an essential role, leading the comprehensive strategies needed to address health inequities.Throughout the report, you will find public health programs and organizational strategies to integrate health equity into state, local, territorial, and tribal public health through the lens of PHAB accreditation. Health department staff provided each example, offering reflections on practices and approaches specific to that jurisdiction.This report was supported by funds made available from the CDC\u2019s Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support. The content, findings, and conclusions shared are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of or endorsement by the CDC.201