Making the link between structural inequities and health disparities: Implications for community based helping professionals

Nationwide, Black Americans show persistent health inequities, including higher rates of infant mortality, cancer mortality, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, and stroke. These health disparities can be traced back centuries, and are strongly influenced by social determinants of health, and inextricably linked to historical inequities in US laws, housing discrimination, redlining, ethical violations in medical research, education, environment, and employment. The capacity of underserved populations to effectively engage in health care and gain empowerment in their health (health activation) can significantly reduce health disparities yet may be hindered by continued experiences with discrimination and mistrust. For communities, health, and human service providers to begin effectively addressing health disparities, it is critical to understand the complex systems, current and historical structural inequities, and sociocultural factors that influence residents’ access and engagement with care. 

Speaker Bio

Dr. Emily Spence is the Associate Dean for Community Engagement and Health Equity at the UNTHSC School of Public Health. Dr. Spence’s research focuses on health disparities, community empowerment, program evaluation, and understanding community strengths and needs. She utilizes participatory approaches to support the design, development, and implementation of solution-focused community interventions. Dr. Spence received her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from Florida State University and her Ph.D. from Florida International University. She is also certified as a Community Health Worker Instructor in Texas.

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