Health equity is achieved when every person has the opportunity to "attain his or her full health potential" and no one is "disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstances." Health disparities or inequities, are types of unfair health differences closely linked with social, economic or environmental disadvantages that adversely affect groups of people.¹

The social determinants of health are the aspects of the environment in which people are born, grow up, live, work, and age, as well as the systems put in place to deal with illness. These aspects are shaped by a wider set of forces (e.g., economics, social policies, and politics).²

In other words - health happens where you are.

Monterey County Health Department's Health in All Polices Initiative works to address health equity.

Learn more

•  Unnatural Causes...is inequality making us sick?
• The California Endowment

Examples of Our Local Solutions – Working Together

• Impact Monterey County
• Bright Beginnings
• Bright Futures
• Health in All Policies
• Community Health Improvement Plan

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