Health Equity: Addressing a Social Justice Imperative for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) through a Population Health Framework

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

According to the Institute of Medicine, the United States is among the wealthiest nations in the world and spends far more per person on health care than any other industrialized nation. Nevertheless, its population’s health is rapidly deteriorating. Over the past three decades, on average, Americans have died sooner and experienced higher rates of comorbid diseases and injury when compared to populations in other high-income nations. This pervasive pattern of poorer health and health outcomes across the life course, from birth to old age, raises concerns about the social determinants of health, as well as health disparities between groups in the United States, in general, and particularly among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), as a result of the historical legacy of systematic racial and ethnic discrimination. Health equity in the context of BIPOC refers to ensuring that individuals from these communities have equal access to resources, opportunities, and healthcare services to achieve optimal health outcomes. Historically, BIPOC communities have experienced systemic injustices, including discrimination, racism, and unequal access to healthcare, education, employment, and other social determinants of health. These disparities contribute to poorer health outcomes and shorter life expectancy rates among BIPOC populations compared to white populations. This chapter covers some of these social determinants of health and other psychosocial issues and discusses practical measures to address these social justice concerns. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, James C. Wadley; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved.

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