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Let’s Talk

The Let’s Talk Series is a collection of resources designed to promote discussion and understanding of how key concepts in health equity apply in public health practice. Each resource contains discussion questions to spark dialogue, reflection, and action to address the social determinants of health.

Let’s Talk: Health equity

This installment of the Let’s Talk series introduces key concepts related to health equity and guides public health action to reduce inequities. This document replaces the 2013 resource Let’s Talk: Health equity.

Let’s Talk: Redistributing power to advance health equity

Power imbalance is a root cause of health inequities. This installment of the Let’s Talk Series guides recognition and analysis of power imbalance in public health. It also gives examples of how to deploy strategies to both build community power and limit the power of those who benefit from inequity.

Let’s Talk: Language of health equity

This installment of the Let’s Talk series explores foundational principles of inclusive health equity language, how power and culture are baked into language, and terminology options that are inclusive and anti-stigmatizing.

Let’s Talk: Intersectionality

Intersectionality moves us from one dimensional understandings of discrimination and marginalization to the multifaceted roots of injustice. This Let’s Talk defines intersectionality and what it means for public health. It helps readers avoid flattening or whitening intersectionality and instead use it for transformative change.

Let’s Talk: Advocacy and health equity

Highlights the importance of advocacy as both a strategy and practice within public health, and describes the different ways advocacy can contribute to addressing the social determinants of health and improving health equity. 

Let’s Talk: Moving upstream

Describes how public health works at three levels- downstream, midstream, and upstream – to improve everyone’s chance for good health.