Health Equity
Health Equity is the intentional and continual process of changing policies, practices, systems, and structures to reduce and ultimately eliminate disparities in health and its determinants (including social determinants). This process requires valuing all individuals and populations equally, recognizing and rectifying historical injustices, and providing resources according to need.
Our Approach
At Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE), we work to eliminate health disparities and address the root causes that prevent all people from achieving optimal health. In fact, we know that equity has to be at the center of our values and practice to effectively promote policies, systems, and overall community conditions that enable optimal health for all. As a result, we use the 10 essential public health services framework to guide our approach to our work.
Health equity is where principles of social justice are realized in public health policies and practices.
Social Determinants of Health
We recognize that health is shaped by more than medical care. Social determinants of health — such as housing, education, transportation, environment, employment, and access to healthy food—are conditions created by the culture and society we are a part of and deeply influence the well-being of individual’s and communities. We work to ensure our policies and programs address these systemic factors to support long-term, community-wide health.
Trauma Informed Care
Our team applies a trauma-informed approach across all programs and services. We acknowledge the widespread impact of trauma, actively work to prevent re-traumatization, and strive to create safe, supportive environments that foster trust, healing, and resilience.
We understand that trauma that encompasses systemic, institutional, communal, individual, and historical experiences, and take care to respond with cultural humility in acknowledgement of the intersection of oppression and trauma. As a result, we work to create a sense of safety, acknowledge loss, and focus on co-creating relationships that are collaborative and restorative.
As part of this practice, DDPHE uses a whole organization approach to reflect these concepts from people we serve and partnering organizations to our staff, leaderships, programs, and policies.
Equity in Action
DDPHE is actively working to embed equity into all public health practices. Examples include:
- Developing a Handbook on Equitable Hiring practices to support diversifying our workforce
- Conducting a community-led community health assessment
- Developing equity focused strategic planning goals
- Hosting equity-focused workforce development trainings
- Prioritizing language accessibility
- Conducting a soft audit of equity work across the department
- Conducting focus group to support operationalizing trauma-informed and equity-centered practices
- Hosting townhalls and focus groups with community members
- Expanding presence in community events
Our Community Partners
We collaborate with a wide range of local and regional partners to advance health equity, including:
- Community-based organizations
- Faith-based groups
- Tribal and Indigenous leadership
- Schools and educational institutions
- Nonprofit service providers
- Local businesses
- Health care systems
- Housing authorities and transportation agencies
Together, we co-design solutions that address structural barriers and empower communities.
Reports & Data
We are committed to transparency and data-informed decision-making. Explore our health equity reports to learn more about local disparities and our progress toward closing the gap:
Download reports or view interactive data dashboards from DDPHE