Health Equity

For generations, societal injustices have created barriers to health and health care for numerous populations. Whether disadvantaged by social or economic status, geographic location or other factors, many people have encountered systems and policies that have led to disproportionately high rates of health conditions, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Those most often affected include people from some racial and ethnic groups, those with disabilities, women, and individuals who are LGBTQI+.

To address these disparities, health care providers, public health agencies, policymakers, and community organizations are joining forces to achieve health equity, in which all people have equitable access to quality and affordable services that allow them to reach and maintain their physical and mental health.

On global, national, and local levels, Yale has emerged at the forefront of efforts to help create and lead a more equitable health care system through research, medical education, and community engagement. With this comprehensive approach, future generations of physicians and physician-scientists will be prepared to identify and implement the changes that are necessary to create an equitable and inclusive health care system.