Health equity ensures everyone has a fair opportunity to attain their highest level of health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), achieving this requires addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), which are non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. These include conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live and age, as well as broader systems that shape daily life.
The online Master of Public Health (MPH) program from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU Carbondale) prepares students to enhance health equity and quality of life throughout their communities. Graduates complete the program equipped with the necessary tools to implement meaningful changes in healthcare systems.
Defining Health Equity
An article published in iScience defines health equity as the elimination of unjust and preventable health differences across social, economic, demographic and geographic groups. It requires creating conditions that enable everyone to achieve their best health, regardless of socioeconomic status, race or geographic location. Research has shown that disparities in health outcomes arise from inequitable access to healthcare, education, housing and employment opportunities.
The concept of health equity is closely tied to social determinants of health (SDOH), which encompass factors such as income, education, neighborhood conditions and access to quality healthcare. Addressing disparities in these areas is crucial to promoting health equity and enhancing public health outcomes.
The Healthy People Initiative and Social Determinants of Health
The Healthy People initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, sets national objectives to improve health and well-being. The Healthy People 2030 framework prioritizes addressing SDOH to advance health equity. It identifies five key domains of SDOH:
- Economic stability
- Education access and quality
- Healthcare access and quality
- Neighborhood and built environment
- Social and community context
By focusing on these areas, Healthy People 2030 aims to eliminate health disparities and improve health outcomes for all individuals. This framework is particularly beneficial to those from historically marginalized communities.
Evolving Public Health Leadership for Equity
The American Public Health Association (APHA) highlights how public health leadership has shifted toward systems-based thinking, collaborative cultures and transdisciplinary approaches to better address health equity. Traditional top-down leadership models are being replaced by inclusive, team-based strategies that prioritize community engagement and cultural humility. These approaches include:
- Collaborative leadership: Encourages teamwork and cross-sector partnerships to address complex public health challenges
- Diversity and cultural humility: Recognizes the importance of diverse perspectives and culturally competent healthcare services
- Community-centered initiatives: Involves local communities in decision-making processes to ensure that policies and programs meet their needs
- Social movement building: Mobilizes public support for policies and programs that promote health equity
By adopting these leadership strategies, public health professionals can foster sustainable change. These efforts aim to support better health outcomes for marginalized populations.
Health Equity Frameworks and Community Well-Being
According to an article in Nursing Outlook, health equity frameworks provide structured approaches to identifying and addressing health disparities. These models guide public health professionals in assessing systemic barriers to health and implementing targeted interventions.
Research demonstrates that using equity-focused frameworks leads to improved health outcomes and enhanced quality of life within communities. For example, the Health Equity Implementation Framework (HEIF) emphasizes the integration of cultural, structural and systemic factors in healthcare delivery. By applying such frameworks, public health professionals can design policies and programs that effectively address disparities and promote equitable access to healthcare resources.
Preparing Public Health Leaders for Equity and Impact With an MPH Degree Online
SIU Carbondale’s Master of Public Health (MPH) online program prepares students to promote health equity and improve public health by providing them with essential knowledge and practical skills. Courses such as Communicating Public Health teach students how to engage diverse communities and effectively share health information, while Applied Theoretical Foundations of Public Health explores the models that shape interventions and policies. Additionally, U.S. Health Systems: Organization, Delivery, and Policy examines how healthcare is structured and how policies influence equity. SIU Carbondale graduates complete the online MPH program prepared to analyze health disparities, develop impactful policies and lead initiatives that improve community health.
Addressing social determinants of health, fostering inclusive leadership and applying health equity frameworks are essential to advancing public health. SIU Carbondale’s online MPH degree provides the necessary education and training to empower professionals in this field, helping them drive meaningful change in their communities as public health leaders.
Learn more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale‘s online Master of Public Health (MPH) program.