Washington, D.C. – The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) announced today that it has adopted a Resolution Achieving Health Equity through Addressing the Health Disparities Due to Redlining.
The resolution, which was passed by the SOPHE Board of Trustees earlier this year, addresses the racially discriminatory housing policy practice of Redlining which still has an impact on residents who experience a greater risk of poor population health outcomes than non-redlined communities.
This resolution by SOPHE is the latest underscoring the importance of health equity and diversity as critical elements of a just society so that all people in the varied communities in which they live can maximize their health.
“By addressing health disparities that these racially discriminatory housing policies have caused, we are supporting SOPHE’s mission to support leaders in health education and promotion to advance healthy and equitable communities across the globe,” SOPHE President Dr. Leonard Jack Jr. said. “This resolution is another example of our support of and commitment to DEI.”
Through both internal actions (recognizing the significance of redlining in shaping neighborhoods and resources, educating members on the history of redlining, sharing information concerning the effects of health outcomes and access to healthcare faced by residents in redlined areas, empowering members with information to undo structural racism, and advocating for equitable neighborhood developments) and external actions (encouraging and supporting public health efforts, advocating for federal policies and legislation to add affordable housing choices, protecting public housing, investing in affordable access to healthy food, making access to local lending easier, taking action to reverse historical disinvestment in redlined communities, and collaborating with other organizations), the resolution directly supports SOPHE’s mission and strategic plan.
“The actions laid out in this resolution directly support the focus of our strategic plan and our mission,” SOPHE CEO Dr. William Datema said. “The resolution also reinforces our vision of a healthy world through health education and our values as an organization.”
SOPHE remains dedicated to promoting and advancing the expertise and impact of health education. As a membership organization, SOPHE works with its members and partners to impact health through the skills and capacities of health education and health promotion.
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About SOPHE
The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is a nonprofit association that supports leaders in public health, health education and promotion to advance healthy and equitable communities across the globe. SOPHE members work in health care settings, communities, organizations, schools, universities, worksites, and in local, state and federal government agencies. For more information visit www.sophe.org.
