Reflection

Summary of Personal Change and New Knowledge Attained

From the onset, it would be prudent to note that over the last 8 weeks, I have made observations and gathered knowledge and insights that have adapted my opinions as well as beliefs and attitudes on multiple fronts especially in as far as health equity is concerned. Amongst other things, I have developed better understanding of the existing health disparities in our communities. I am also more informed of the factors that trigger the said disparities. Being better informed of the various health disparities at the community level as well as the factors that trigger the said disparities puts me in a better position to contribute towards the elimination of the said disparities. I have become more aware of the said disparities after interacting with the course content and the resources supplied, which have painted a vivid picture of the differences people experience in terms of health and healthcare as a consequence of existing inequities. From my understanding of the topic, The History and Legacy of Social Justice in Public Health, social justice underpins public health. As a consequence, I am also more appreciative of the need to focus more of our attention on the social as well as economic issues that create health inequities, as opposed to overly focusing on individual illnesses which has historically been the focal point for public health. One other topic that specifically interested me on this front happens to be The Shifting Lens of Public Health Practice. I came across ample evidence to the effect that health and wellbeing is also significantly influenced by a wide range of social factors. These factors are inclusive of, but they are not limited to; ethnicity, gender, income level, employment status, etc. To advance health equity, the public health equity ought to ensure that this knowledge is expressed as practice changes. In essence, I am now convinced that we must be more appreciative of how health outcomes are affected by the factors highlighted above and, thus, more aware of the need to implement interventions that for instance focus on lowering the risk of poor health among people by considering ways of increasing their socio-economic position.

Further, thanks to the various reading materials I was exposed to, I am now more embracive of the fact that there is indeed a more intimate connection between racism...…an intention of ensuring that the opinions floated form part of the policy agenda.

Insights on My Growth and Change

In the final analysis, it should be noted that I am most proud of the fact that I now have better understanding of the health equity concept and a more vivid perspective of the existing health disparities and the factors that contribute to the said disparities. For this reason, I can play a more meaningful role towards the elimination of the said disparities. Thus, at present, I consider myself to be a key stakeholder in efforts to rein in the identified disparities with an intention of ensuring that equity and inclusion in healthcare are sufficiently promoted and that people are provided with opportunities that could be deemed just and fair in as far as their attainment of the highest health levels is concerned - regardless of their economic capabilities, race, or ethnicity. I consider this to be indicative of growth and change that has taken place on my part over the past 8 weeks. I also proud of the fact that as an African American who has witnessed the impact of health inequity in disadvantaged communities, my background provides me with a strong foundation to…