About ACDP's Health Equity Work Group
The Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention section works to identify how we can promote health equity in our work. In 2016, we convened an ACDP health equity working group (HEWG) which meets monthly. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss projects and priorities related to health equity in infectious disease and
preparedness. We also discuss topics including the social determinants of health, systematic racism, cultural humility, and unconscious bias.
The ACDP HEWG set a priority to lead with race in our pursuit of health equity. This aligns with the approach of targeted universalism; reducing disparities for the most marginalized populations will improve overall well-being for a community. We recognize the pervasive disparities faced by people of color and that continued marginalization is upheld by systems of oppression and institutional racism. We
believe government has a primary role in disrupting and dismantling these systems. We believe it is crucial to address systemic inequalities faced by our communities, and that opening with racial equity as a foundation will promote equity in all.
Health Equity Assessment
In 2019, we completed a Health Equity Assessment. The report is being used to identify priority areas for the ACDP 5-year strategic plan.
ACDP Health Equity Assessment, 2019