Health Equity

Together, we can work towards achieving fair and just health outcomes for everyone in our district.

Health should be a reality for everyone. Here at NCDHD we are striving to reduce gaps in health services in order to provide access to better health for all residents in our communities.

Where you live, go to school, and work can greatly affect your ability to live a healthy life. These factors are called social determinants of health (SDOH), and include examples such as housing, race, income, environment, and education.

These social determinants of health cannot be addressed by just promoting healthier lifestyles. Action is needed. This is where we come in. We are working on finding these factors that are causing gaps or disparities, and addressing them by providing referrals and resources.

Equality same size box to reach tree. Equity size box needed to reach tree.

Advancing Health Equity: Addressing Disparities in North Central District

At North Central District Health Department, we've been dedicated to addressing health disparities among our priority populations since 2020. Access to healthcare has been a major focus, culminating in our comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) in 2021.
Through our CHA, we identified two primary populations in our district: Native Americans and Hispanics. Racial and ethnic minorities often face higher rates of health disparities compared to others. Our goal is to achieve health equity, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to reach their highest level of health.
Our data revealed significant disparities, particularly in general and physical health among Native Americans and Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Mental health disparities were also pronounced among Native Americans. Other concerns included healthcare coverage, diabetes, tobacco use, and depression.
To address these disparities, we've prioritized cardiovascular and mental health initiatives. Together, we're committed to building a healthier, more equitable future for all residents in our district.