Skip to Main Content
The HSHSL is a part of the University of Maryland, Baltimore | My UMB The Elm UM Shuttle Blackboard
Library Logo

601 West Lombard Street
Baltimore MD 21201-1512

Reference: 410-706-7996
Circulation: 410-706-7928

Project SHARE Curriculum: Introduction to Health Equity

Student Health Advocates Redefining Empowerment

Introduction to Health Equity

In the Introduction to Health Equity lesson, students learn how and why health disparities impact social and economically disadvantaged populations and understand underlying causes of health inequality through a series of individual and small group activities and class discussion.

Objectives:

  • Define and explain the concept of health disparity
  • Analyze how the environment and personal health are interrelated
  • Analyze how specific factors (determinants) contribute to health disparities
  • Identify groups that are most affected by health disparities
  • Evaluate how health disparities impact people in the local community (school, town, etc.)

Materials:

  • Instructor computer and projector
  • Blackboard or whiteboard
  • Handouts – slides

 

National Health Education Standards that Align with Introduction to Health Disparities Lesson

  • 1.12.3 Analyze how environment and personal health are interrelated.
  • 1.12.6 Analyze the relationship between access to health care and health status.
  • 2.12.4 Evaluate how the school and community can affect personal health practice and behaviors.
  • 3.12.3 Determine the accessibility of products and services that enhance health.
  • 5.12.1 Examine barriers that can hinder healthy decision making.

 

National Strategies that Align with the SHARE Curriculum

Healthy People 2020 Objectives

AH-2      Increase the proportion of adolescents who participate in extracurricular and/or out-of-school activities.

AH-3.2   Increase the proportion of parents who attend events and activities in which their adolescents participate.

National Partnership for Action

Goal 1         Awareness - Increase awareness of the significance of health disparities, their impact on the nation, and the actions necessary to improve health outcomes for racial, ethnic, and underserved populations.

Strategy 2: Develop and support partnerships among public, nonprofit, and private entities to provide a comprehensive infrastructure to increase awareness, drive action, and ensure accountability in efforts to end health disparities and achieve health equity across the lifespan.

Goal 2:        Leadership - Strengthen and broaden leadership for addressing health disparities at all levels.

Strategy 7:  Invest in young people to prepare them to be future leaders and practitioners by actively engaging and including them in the planning and execution of health, wellness and safety initiatives.