What Does Health Equity Mean?

“Creating the Healthiest Nation” is a suitable title for reaching health equity. Addressing this can entail looking at food injustice in the United States (APHA, 2025). The food justice fact sheet discusses steps our nation should take to address the social determinants of health (SDoH). “Health equity is achieved when everyone can attain their full potential for health and well-being” (WHO, 2025).

Achieving health equity includes addressing SDoH (income gaps, inequitable healthcare, neighborhood, physical environment, workplace environment, and education). 

According to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, in 2021, US households made up 12.5% of food-insecure families, while the percentage of food-secure households was 87.5%(NIH, 2024).

How can we achieve 100% food-secure households?

Healthy People 2030 initiative strives to do just that.

• Have you had difficulty paying for basic needs like housing, food, or utilities?
• Have you or your family ever gone without food because of financial constraints?
• Do you have access to resources for learning about health (e.g., infographics, online information, community programs)? Are you interested in understanding the connection between health literacy and your health condition?
• Are you involved in community or social groups that help you feel connected? Are any barriers preventing you from seeking medical care (e.g., transportation, long wait times, lack of trust in healthcare providers)?
• Are you able to maintain comfortable living conditions (e.g., heating, air conditioning, plumbing)?
• How do you typically cope with stress?

These questions are just a start in identifying health indicators to improve overall health outcomes. Let’s begin the solution-focused process of following the Healthy People 2030 goals for creating the healthiest nation by getting curious and promoting health education.

NRJiggetts

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