Social Determinants of Health:

During a recent public comment period, the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum provided suggestions on how the Office of Minority Health could strengthen the Draft National Plan for Action. The National Plan for Action describes the status of health disparities in our country and proposes 20 strategies for their elimination. To read the APIAHF's comments, click here.
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Health Policy Institute (HPI) is conducting research and policy analysis to address racial and ethnic disparities in childhood obesity. In a new fact sheet, Research and Policy Analysis to Address Childhood Obesity, HPI describes their work identifying the root causes of these disparities and identifying evidence-based policy strategies to address them. (March 2010)
In the first videocast of a monthly Health Disparities Seminar Series, the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities featured Dr. Brian Smedley of the Joint Center Health Policy Institute. In Moving Science to Practice and Policy: Addressing Inequities through a Focus on Place, Dr. Smedley discusses the negative effects of racial and socioeconomic segregation on health. He also highlights the challenges and opportunities involved in applying research to policies and practices that address health inequities and improve health opportunities. (July 2009)
Racial and economic segregation set the stage for health inequities. Maps can be used to show why and how investments in communities—or lack of investment—shape health. In User Guide: Using Maps to Promote Health Equity, the Joint Center Health Policy Institute and the Opportunity Agenda partner to demonstrate the power of mapping tools and provide recommendations to advance the field. (June 2009)
In a column published in the "Seattle Medium," Dr. Brian Smedley discusses the challenges that the Obama Administration faces as it tackles health reform and works to develop the solutions that are needed to address the fundamental problems that lead to unequal health opportunities. To read Dr. Smedley's column, click here. (February 2009)
The Prevention Institute and the Health Policy Institute at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies published Reducing Inequities in Health and Safety through Prevention. This memo emphasizes the need for a national commitment to eliminating health inequities, and it provides concrete strategies for achieving equitable health outcomes for all. (January 2009)
The Joint Center Health Policy Institute report, The Impact of Food Insecurity on the Development of Young Low-Income Black & Latino Children, explores how higher rates of poverty in households with children can lead to food insecurity, a condition in which a household cannot obtain enough food for all household members to lead healthy and active lives. Food insecurity puts children at risk for developmental difficulties, such as failing to develop age-appropriate cognitive, language, and motor skills, and also can lead to behavioral and learning problems. (May 2006)
In collaboration with PolicyLink, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Health Policy Institute published Breathing Easier: Community-Based Strategies to Prevent Asthma. This brief discusses the community conditions that can trigger an asthma attack, highlights strategies used by communities to reduce those conditions, and provides policy options for improving community environments. (2004)
In partnership with PolicyLink, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Health Policy Institute published A Place for Healthier Living: Improving Access to Physical Activity and Healthy Foods. This brief discusses barriers to healthy food and exercise in low-income communities and outlines strategies for achieving better health through community-focused solutions. (2004)

So You Think You Know Minority Health? is a new interactive game from Families USA's Minority Health Initiative. Based on the classic Jeopardy game, it is designed to test your knowledge of the health disparities facing people of color in America today. Check it out.

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