What is a “root cause” and why do we need to consider root causes when we talk about advancing health equity?

Public health’s origins and initiatives are deeply intertwined with social justice. As a field, we must reengage with these social justice roots to transform the conditions that produce health equity and health inequity.

Become familiar with the broad evolution of public health, with an emphasis on examining the root causes of health inequities and social reform efforts.

When we artificially identify one group as more “worthy,” we build inequality into the structure of our society.

Designed to create inequality, capitalism is a root cause of health inequity.

Fixing our understanding of gender and sexuality into a tight binary limits us from supporting all members of our community.

Stories and ideas shape societies and represent our values. We can communicate narratives that build health equity.

Power relates directly to the root causes of health inequity; public health must leverage power to advance their goals.

Public health will be able to make greater gains in achieving health equity through shifting and sharing power with communities that experience marginalization.

Equity within the public health workforce is key to ensuring that public health leadership, public health infrastructure, and the public health workforce are equipped to advance health equity.