How does the CDC strive to support health equity?

• A. By providing health services to everyone equally
• B. By addressing disparities in health outcomes
• C. By funding health programs in affluent areas
• D. By promoting individual responsibility in health

Answer: (B)

Health equity means ensuring everyone has a fair chance to be as healthy as possible by tackling the social and structural factors that create differences in health. The CDC advances this by identifying where health outcomes differ across populations and then taking action to close those gaps. This includes collecting detailed data on health outcomes by race, ethnicity, income, geography, and other factors; partnering with communities to design culturally appropriate interventions; funding targeted programs that serve communities with the greatest burden; and promoting policies and practices that remove barriers to care, create healthier environments, and expand opportunities for prevention. The emphasis on reducing disparities in outcomes captures the goal of health equity, rather than simply providing the same services to everyone.