Health equity is the opportunity for everyone to attain optimal health regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, income level or any social factors that create barriers. Health equity can only be achieved by responding to systemic racism and all forms of oppression that have created persistent health disparities.

NFPRHA's Position

NFPRHA believes that health equity can only be achieved by recognizing and responding to systemic racism and all forms of oppression, including the unequal distribution of resources, that have created persistent health disparities. Social and economic factors that affect the health of people and communities, also known as social determinants of health, include income, employment and job security, food security, housing conditions, access to health services and insurance status, early childhood development, education, employment, stigma, exclusion and historical trauma, and are themselves rooted in racism and other forms of oppression.

NFPRHA's Work

NFPRHA supports efforts to eliminate all inequities in the health care system, including those based on race and ethnicity, as part of its mission to equalize access to high-quality, culturally responsive family planning and sexual health care. Understanding and addressing systemic injustices and white supremacy is key to creating a more accessible and equitable health system for all.

NFPRHA hosted a five-part series on racism and its impact on public health to its membership. We hope these conversations inspire you in our collective work toward creating a more just and equitable health care system.