In public health, we aim to provide equitable access to economic stability, healthy and safe neighborhoods, education, nutritious food, social support, and health care. This work can be enhanced by providing local context of events that shape modern health disparities and the social determinants of health.
The MetroWest Health Equity Timeline (HET) illustrates how local historical events — including legislation, policies, social movements, and individual actions — have shaped health disparities and outcomes in the region today. The HET highlights the many systems and decisions that influence our health.
Inspired by community conversations and the recent debates about health equity, this evolving resource documents our history through the lens of health equity to show how people, policies, and programs can shift the arc of history.
Health equity is the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health.
Health disparities are differences in health among population groups.
When disparities are a result of injustice (as opposed to natural consequences), they are called health inequities.
To achieve equity, we must change systems that discriminate unfairly against certain population groups.
The HET is primarily used for education and advocacy. The content is geared towards:
We view health equity as a nonpartisan, human rights issue.
Are you new to public health or health equity concepts? Check out the Recommended Readings curated by our team, and view health equity resources from the MetroWest Health Foundation.
Staff at the foundation presented about the theories that inform the HET in November 2024. View the recording and slides for more context.