The field of health equity focuses on ensuring that all populations—regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, disability status, geographic origin, etcetera —have equal opportunity to achieve and maintain a healthy life. Due to historical and current issues of marginalization, discrimination, and a variety of social determinants of health, many groups do not have the same access to the means necessary to achieve health and well-being. As a result, there are severe and persistent inequities in health status and outcomes seen across populations.

This eight-week course is designed to provide an overview of the field of health equity, including the origins and context in which health inequities occur, an overview of multiple populations impacted by health inequities, and descriptions of culturally specific methods to improve health equity. The social determinants of health are given special attention throughout this course as they contribute to wide health disparities and inequities. Course assignments are intended to advance health professional skills in a manner that provides them the tools necessary to make a meaningful difference in achieving health equity in their practice.