Health equity and health disparities are complex and closely connected, as are their root causes. This page of Health Compass Milwaukee derived language and context for these definitions from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the American Public Health Association.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has developed a growing library of resources to help understand inequity. Click on the infographic below to access their library and learn more.

Definitions Matter

Health disparities are preventable differences in health outcomes (e.g. infant mortality), as well as the determinants of health (e.g. access to affordable housing) across populations.

Health equity is the principle that opportunities for good health in vulnerable populations are achievable by eliminating systemic, avoidable, unfair, and unjust barriers. Progress towards achieving health equity can be measured by reducing gaps in health disparities.

Racism affects opportunity and assigns value based on how a person looks. It unfairly advantages some individuals and communities and unfairly disadvantages others. Racism hurts the health of our nation by preventing some people from attaining their highest level of health. Racism can be intentional or not, and it impacts health in many ways; driving unfair treatment through policies, practices, and resource allocation. It is a fundamental cause of health disparities across numerous health issues.

National trends have shown that systemic racism, poverty, and gender discrimination have led to poorer health outcomes in communities of color, low-income populations, and for LGBTQ+ individuals. Identifying health disparities and barriers to good health are important components in assessing community health needs. Once identified, understanding upstream policies, systems, and social determinants that drive health disparities can help create practical, community-driven solutions that support individual and community health improvement.