Better Together in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Transforming Society Through Equitable Policies
Across the United States, significant gaps in health exist and, for many, that gap is widening. Personal responsibility plays a role, but the choices presented before us heavily depend on the family we were born into and the zip code in which we live. Health starts in our families, in our neighborhoods, and in our schools. The concept of health equity means everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthier, to live in safe homes and neighborhoods, and to attend thriving schools. Achieving health equity requires valuing all individuals, rectifying historical injustices, and promoting policies that improve the health of our communities. During this session, speakers will leverage 2 high-level policy topics to examine health equity in the US health care system and physical therapist practice. Through small and large group discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to unpack these policies, consider unintended consequences and the role these policies play in widening health gaps, and identify action-oriented solutions within their own practice. This session is the third in a 5-part series focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Under the vision of ÒBetter Together,Ó contributors will model how individuals representing diverse interests within APTA can come together in support of DEI.