Director’s Message
We find ways to improve health and healthcare delivery so that all types of people — from all types of backgrounds — have the opportunity to achieve their best possible health. ”
Melissa A. Simon, MD, MPH
Director, Center for Health Equity Transformation
Lift Community Voices
Equitable access to resources impacts each person's ability to thrive and is influenced by various societal factors such as education, food access, housing, employment, and the environment. Achieving health equity therefore requires engaging community members with lived experience, policymakers, and subject matter experts across different social issues. Our community-based participatory research projects seek guidance and collaboration from community leaders and organizations throughout the research process, from design to the lasting impact that continues beyond the completion of the projects.
Apply Health Equity Lens to Public Policies
Health inequities disproportionately affect certain groups, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other underserved populations. These inequities can stem from both intentional and unintentional consequences of policies. Throughout history, many U.S. policies were created in ways that restricted access to resources and opportunities for certain communities, preventing wealth and power accumulation. For example, redlining (the practice of denying housing loans or insurance based on neighborhood characteristics) in Chicago deemed predominantly African American neighborhoods as financially risky. This practice reinforced discrimination and contributed to ongoing systemic inequities. It is important to focus on the real impact of these policies and take action to address their harmful effects.
Transform Health Outcomes
Our Center developed its mission and vision statements with the understanding that we must eliminate systemic and institutional barriers to improve health outcomes. Additionally, our vision acknowledges the disconnects between academic researchers, the communities they study, and policymakers. Even the most frequently cited research that could inform positive policy changes often doesn't reach policymakers. To create transformational change, we must bridge these areas that typically operate separately. We must ensure that the healthcare and research workforce is well-equipped to serve all populations and that we train the next generation to approach their work with empathy and compassion to lift health for all.