Health Equity | HKPR District Health Unit

Group of people holding hand together in the park.

Our commitment to health equity

The HKPR District Health Unit is committed to ensuring health equity, diversity, inclusion, and allyship are included in the planning and implementation of all our public health programs and services.

We also work closely with community partners to address health equity issues in our communities such as poverty, food insecurity, and housing and homelessness.  

What is health equity?

Health equity means that all people have fair access and opportunities to achieve their full health potential regardless of their social position or other socially determined circumstances. This includes gender, ethnicity, disability, social status, sexual orientation, religion and age.

What is health equality?

Health equality means everyone has equal access to resources, care, and services required to be healthy. Example: A doctor treats everyone the same and offers the same care.

Therefore, we need health equity because not everyone has the same opportunities to reach their full health potential.

What is health inequity?

Health inequity refers to avoidable health differences and disadvantages between different groups of people. Health inequities are caused by systematic, avoidable, unfair, and unjust social, political, and economic conditions.

Health equity and the social determinants of health

The social determinants of health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. SDOH is a fundamental part for improving health and reducing inequities.

We are working in several ways to reduce health inequalities and address the social determinants of health. Our key determinants of health are income, affordable housing, food security and stigma/judgement.

View the three strategic priorities the Government of Canada is doing to support the reduction of health inequalities.

Everyone can help promote the health of our community by increasing opportunities for groups experiencing health inequities.

Educate yourself
- Gain an understanding about health equity.
- Learn about root causes of poverty, food insecurity, housing and homelessness.
Advocate for change
- Consider income and health when you vote.
- support municipal policies that improve physical environments like trails, sidewalks, and good lighting in neighbourhoods.
- Collaborate with others to take action. Health is influenced by factors outside of the healthcare sector. (Municipal government, law enforcement)
Contribute locally
- Support local programs and services by volunteering, donating, or assist fundraisers.
Focus on reducing barriers
- Invest in more programs, services, and opportunities for those experiencing lower levels of health and access to services.
Focus on inclusion
- Include those facing barriers to reaching their full health potential when planning and decision-making.
- Respecting people of all groups and making an active effort to involve them in enacting change.

National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health is a public health research centre that promotes health equity and social justice in Canada

NCCDH | Let’s Talk Series is a collection of resources designed to promote discussion and understanding of how key concepts in health equity apply in public health practice

Public Health Ontario | Health Equity data provide access to statistics and information related to health inequities

WHO | Social Determinants of Health and the factors that influence health outcomes and health inequities, such as income, education, food, housing, and social inclusion

CDC's Office of Health Equity | Shares the latest in the science and practice of health equity

Food insecurity is a health equity problem

Learn how food insecurity affects people in our community. Read our report and learn what you can do.

Food Insecurity