Social Current Co-Authors White Paper on Pillars of Health Equity

A new white paper has been released by the Vaccine Equity Cooperative, whose members include Social Current, Partners In Health, National Association of Community Health Workers, and Health Leads. It provides recommendations based on lessons learned from the collaborating organizations’ shared experiences at the local, state, and federal levels in responding to COVID-19 and in addressing health disparities in communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated underlying inequities in the U.S. health care system, disproportionately affecting communities of color. Those inequities make it clear that the U.S. needs systemic investment in public and community health systems—focused on serving the most marginalized individuals and communities.

The newly released white paper provides a roadmap by focusing on four key pillars of health equity that reflect the challenges faced by implementers during the COVID-19 response:

• Access
• Data
• Power
• Resources

By ensuring our approaches include improved access to care, strong data systems, a shift in decision-making power, and access to resources, communities in the U.S. will be able to build a more equitable health care system.

Download the white paper online.

About the Vaccine Equity Cooperative

In fall 2020, Health Leads, NACHW, Partners In Health, and Social Current, came together to form the Vaccine Equity Cooperative to share trusted resources, expand funding, and strengthen policy in support of community-based and public health workforces. This initiative, a collaborative approach to addressing structural barriers and building vaccine confidence, aims to further support the rebuilding of public trust necessary to address long-term disparities and prepare for future crises.

Learn more about the Vaccine Equity Cooperative and how to get involved online.

Social Current Resources on Health Equity

Here are some ways to join our work on equity, diversity, and inclusion today:

• Participate in workshops, learning collaboratives, and consulting service
• Register for our upcoming webinars on health equity:
  • Building Healthier Communities: The Power of Technology to Facilitate Community Investment Feb. 10
  • Screening for Social Need and the Social Determinants of Health April 12
• Contribute your perspective to our federal policy agenda by joining the focus group on the social determinants of health and health equity Feb. 17
• Sign up for the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network’s pandemic response updates
• Browse the Knowledge and Insights Center (formerly Alliance Library) for Black health and wellness research and resources (Social Current network exclusive) – each week will feature a specific topic:
  • Week 1: Highlighting the innovation and progress of Black scholars, medical practitioners, birthworkers, doulas, midwives, and others
  • Week 2: Initiatives to help decrease health disparities
  • Week 3: Preventive care and focus on body positivity, physical exercise, nutrition, etc.
  • Week 4: Emotional and mental health advances in research and best practices