Health Equity

What is Health Equity?

Health equity is when everyone has a fair opportunity to attain his or her full health potential and that no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential. Health Equity is influenced by factors such as employment, housing, transportation, education, socioeconomic status, food access, etc. Health equity recognizes that not everyone starts from the same place, but that everyone deserves to get to the finish line.

Why Does Equity Matter?

All people have a right to health. In a culture of health, everyone has the opportunity to live a healthier life, no matter who we are or where we live. All people must work together to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to make healthy choices and to achieve better health.

Three-panel illustration explaining equality, equity, and removing barriers. The first panel shows equality, where everyone receives the same support. The second shows equity, where supports are adjusted so individuals can achieve similar outcomes. The third shows barriers removed, allowing everyone to participate equally. The graphic illustrates how removing barriers helps meet the needs of all people.

Health Equity in Defiance County

Defiance County Health Equity Report

In order for Defiance County Health District (DCGHD) to achieve its mission of promoting and protecting the health and well-being of all people and places in Defiance County, we must evaluate the different health factors in Defiance County. This report breaks Defiance County into smaller geographic areas known as census tracts, and compares various factors (Social Determinants of Health) including demographics, population, income, poverty, education, unemployment, health insurance, food assistance, housing burden, and other contributing factors. We can then find a relationship between where and how a person lives, and their overall health outcomes.

Click or Tap Below to download the 2022 Defiance County Health Equity report. This report is based on 2020 U.S. Census data.

2022 Defiance County Health Equity Report

Video overview of the 2022 Defiance County Health Equity Report

Circular diagram of the Ten Essential Public Health Services with equity at the center. The services include assessing and monitoring population health, investigating and addressing health hazards, communicating to inform and educate, strengthening community partnerships, creating and implementing policies and laws, utilizing legal and regulatory actions, enabling equitable access, building a skilled workforce, improving through evaluation and research, and maintaining strong public health infrastructure.

10 Essential Public Health Services

The 10 Essential Public Health Services were revised in 2020 to focus around Equity. These services provide a framework for public health to protect and promote the health of all people in all places. The services seek to remove barriers such as poverty, racism, gender discrimination, ableism, and other forms of oppression. Everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to achieve optimal health and well-being.

Source: Adapted From https://www.cdc.gov/public-health-gateway/php/about/

Questions about Health Equity? Contact our Health Promotion Division! Email Brian at bheil@defiancecohealth.org