Health Equity

The Difference Between Equality and Equity

While sometimes related, health equity and health equality do not mean the same thing. Equality means everyone has the same resource, service, or opportunity, whereas equity means people have what they need to reach their highest level of health while recognizing that people have different needs. 

Escambia County Department of Health

In the picture above, three people of different heights are trying to reach the fruit on the tree. In this case, the fruit symbolizes good health. The different heights of the people represent the unequal distribution of opportunities and privileges in society, which can be related to the social determinants of health. 

If we treat these people equally, we will give everyone the same box to stand on. The result would be that only the tallest person could reach the fruit or attain their highest level of health. If we treat these people equitably, we will give them as many boxes as they need to reach the fruit.  

Many communities we serve are rightfully and understandably distrustful of the healthcare system and public health government entities. Part of achieving health equity and rebuilding trust requires recognizing, addressing, and learning from wrongful, misguided, and harmful actions conducted by or in the name of public health and healthcare. Another part requires holding ourselves, our peers, and our workplaces accountable.