Tools for Approaching Policy With Equity in Mind

Abstract

Practice, policy engagement "[i]nvolves working to inform, influence, implement, and evaluate legislation strategies at federal, state, and local levels in order to leverage long-lasting systems changes to protect and improve the public's health and well-being." 1 The more that public health professionals are engaged in the policy-making process, the greater influence and impact they can have on the public's health.Equity is a key principle for effective policy making, and we should approach policy change with equity in mind. It is important to highlight that policies have played a major role in how social determinants of health such as housing, transportation, or education affect health. Described as the political determinants of health, these policies influence the social determinants of health and other drivers of health to create inequities. 2 Health equity historically has not been prioritized in the policy process, due, in part, to structural racism, power imbalances, and deep siloes that characterize how our systems function.