How Affordable Housing can Improve Health Equity in the Black Community
How Affordable Housing can Improve Health Equity in the Black Community
A lot of Americans think that racism is a thing of the past. If not totally gone, some Americans think that it has somehow gotten better over the years. This cannot be any further from the truth. Racism is still very much a part of the American culture; only now it is disguised and is placed in different little corners of the society. In the field of medicine and health, inequities may still be observed – especially in the treatment towards African American folks.
In terms of health disparities, people of color are more prone to experiencing worse health outcomes across a wide spectrum of diseases compared to the White folks. The racial and ethnic health disparities are still present even when certain factors such as socioeconomic and health insurance status, are being controlled (Boston Public Health Commission, n.d.). Health disparities can often be confused with health inequity. Disparities are more related to inequality, which is opted by genetics, while inequity is an implication of racial discrimination.
Health inequities are predominant in the field of public health all throughout the nation. It is so persistent that it requires some shifts in the practice of public health service in order to address the social, economic, as well as environmental causes of the issue. The advocacy of health equity is a ramification of racial justice. Through the adoption of new strategies that promote health and well-being, and the creation of organizational support system that will push these strategies forward, health equity can be achieved.
Improving Health Equity through Affordable Housing
Health equity basically means that every person has the right to health regardless of their origin, cultural affinity, sexual orientation, or social status. Everyone should have equal access to the so-called social determinants of health, or the life-enhancing resources which includes food supply, housing, transportation, education, and especially health care.
Social determinants can influence the health of any individual or community directly; which is why it is important for people to evaluate the condition of these determinants within their community and assess the availability and distribution of these resources. One of the determinants that have a major influence on the promotion of health equity is affordable housing.
Safe and adequate housing is being linked to the well-being and quality of health for individuals and families who are members of a particular community (Center for the Study of Social Policy, 2011). It has been observed that living in a distressed neighbourhood exacerbates the effects of poverty on health, not to mention other indicators of well-being. In fact, a study has been conducted which shows that homeless children are more prone to have developmental delays, mental health problems, and depression, compared to children who belong in a stable shelter (Center for the Study of Social Policy, 2011).
Affordable and stable housing is not only a foundation for well-being; it can also be a platform that connects people to resources that influence well-being. Stable housing means that schools, community centers, health care centers, groceries, and transportation are readily accessible. If families spend less money on investing in a house, they can spend more resources on improving their quality of life. Increasing the availability of affordable housing is one of the modern efforts that are being used to address the inequity that was brought upon by discriminatory policies and practices.
Federal Housing Administration, HUD, and the Policies Created to Support Affordable Housing
The Obama administration is a strong advocate of health equity. In fact, it is very much articulate on its commitment to an integrated community agenda that talks about the housing needs of its constituents. In the last few years, it has empowered the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to advance national housing objectives, while considering a more universal economic, social and energy goals. This has prompted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in 2009, which invested about $14 B in developing modernized and ‘green’ public and assisted housing in order to address homelessness in the country (Center for the Study of Social Policy, 2011).
Becoming a Partner of Change in the Community
Eliminating the inequities that are present in the social determinants of health will require more than just the efforts of the government and its designated organization. The people itself need to adapt to the strategies and shifts that are being implemented. The people’s willingness to address the issue of inequity is a key in its success.
As a student, I can be a partner of change by raising awareness in the community – and the society in general. Through the use of social media platform, I can broadcast information that can shift attitudes away from health inequity tolerance to the awareness of social challenges faced by the Black community and how a lack of choices and access to resources can affect their health. I can be a responsible citizen by having a clear message, arming it with facts, discussing a solution, and building its elements.
Of course, this plan would work better if I am being backed by a legitimate entity which supports my cause. The best I could do is to convince the local media to profile this issue, thus reaching a bigger audience. However, I would need important facts and sufficient research to present to them. What I can provide is the Morbidity/Mortality data, community behavioural factors, or social indicator data which may be helpful in identifying the best starting point to understand how social determinants influence the health disparities in our community (Brennan Ramirez, Baker, & Metzler, 2008).
Getting the local government involved in the partnership is imperative to the success of this advocacy. If I could invite two officials in a meeting about the social determinants of health inequity in my community, I would request the attendance of the local public health commissioner and the mayor. I will discuss to them the existence of health inequity in our community, its implications towards the success of the projects being promoted by our local government, and the possible paths to take in order to address this issue. After presenting the necessary facts, a strategic master plan, and the possible outcome of a particular course of action, it will be up to them to act on the issue and use the resources that are available to address it.
There are many benefits to affordable housing that can certainly improve the well-being of people -- especially those who are being deprived of certain resources because of being different from the majority. Affordable housing is not an absolute solution to health inequity but it is one step towards eliminating it from the society.
References
Boston Public Health Commission. (n.d.). What is Health Equity? Retrieved from http://www.bphc.org/whatwedo/health-equity-social-justice/what-is-health-equity/Pages/what-is-health-equity.aspx
Brennan Ramirez, L. K., Baker, E. A., & Metzler, M. (2008). Promoting Health Equity: A Resource to Help Communities Address Social Determinants of Health. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dch/programs/healthycommunitiesprogram/tools/pdf/SDOH-workbook.pdf
Center for the Study of Social Policy. (2011, June). Financing Community Change Brief. Retrieved from http://www.cssp.org/publications/neighborhood-investment/financing-community-change/Affordable-Housing-as-a-Platform-for-Improving-Family-Well-Being-June-2011.docx.pdf
Cohen, R. (2011, May). The Impacts of Affordable Housing on Health: A Research Summary. Retrieved from http://www.lchc.org/wp-content/uploads/03_LCHC_Housing.pdf
