Achieving Health Equity

What is Health Equity?

The attainment of the highest level of health for all people, where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, preferred language or other factors that affect access to care and health outcomes.¹

Why is Achieving Health Equity Important?

Providing equitable care means considering a person’s circumstances, culture, and beliefs so services can be delivered to allow people to achieve optimal health. If all aspects of a person’s life are not considered amidst their overall health, they may experience health disparities resulting in worse outcomes and thus a poorer quality of life. Health disparities are not just harmful, but expensive.

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS)

CLAS are services that are respectful of and responsive to each person’s culture and communication needs. CLAS helps you take into account of cultural health beliefs. preferred languages, health literacy levels, and communication needs.

The National CLAS Standards are intended to advance health equity, improve quality, and help eliminate health care disparities by providing a blueprint for health and health care organizations to implement culturally and linguistically appropriate services. 

1. CMS Health Equity