Reducing Health Disparities

Health disparities are differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality and burden of diseases and other health conditions that exist among specific population groups. They result from differences in (1) environment, (2) access to, utilization of, and quality of care, (3) health status, and (4) a particular health outcome. The Health Trust’s vision for The Healthy Communities Initiative is: all members of our community have the opportunity to attain their full health potential regardless of their social and economic circumstances.

Goals
The Health Trust will focus on the following three goals and achieve this vision:

1. Prevent new cases of chronic disease and improve the lives of those currently diagnosed with chronic disease
2. Improve access to and utilization of culturally competent preventive health services
3. Create conditions that promote health and eliminate health disparities

Priority Strategies
The Healthy Communities’ goals are achieved through Health Trust programs and services, community collaborations, policy and advocacy efforts, and grantmaking. They include:

• Supporting health care linkages
• Providing Chronic Disease Prevention and management/AIDS Services
• Supporting oral health services and community water fluoridation
• Promoting awareness and advocacy for root causes health equity and supporting racial/ethnic diversity in the health professions

Click here to read full descriptions of Priority Strategies.

Desired Outcomes

• Decrease disparities
• Decrease chronic disease and HIV/AIDS rates
• Increase diversity of the health professions
• Increase the number of children receiving quality health care
• Increase preventive care
• Improve the quality of care for people living with chronic disease and HIV/AIDS