Study explores gaps, challenges in Ohio healthcare
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Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking effort by the League of Women Voters of Ohio to establish a position on
Health Equity
. Participate in the first League Health Equity Study in the country!
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STUDY CONSENSUS MEETING
A local Kent League Health Education Study (HES) committee has been meeting since early January to plan for the Kent League’s
consensus meeting
, which will be:
- Monthly Membership Meeting
- April 14, 6:30-8:30 PM
- At a location still to be determined
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NEW WAY TO BRING YOU A STUDY EXPERIENCE
At this meeting we will be discussing the seven topics proposed by the state committee, and attempting to come to consensus.
In order to facilitate discussions and allow us to cover lots of information in two hours, the committee is sending out materials to help you prepare, beginning with a list of definitions and a list of fact sheets which will introduce the topic of health equity. Click on the titles to link to the materials.
We are also sending an introduction, most relevant references (1-2 articles) and a short electronic survey (Survey Monkey) on each of the topics. The first 3 of 7 topics are included below in this email. Two weeks out and four weeks out, we will add the remaining topics and surveys in 2 additional email communications.
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WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED
Good news! If you miss one week, you'll have access to the surveys and resources through each of these email communications. In addition, all of the information will be at our website (
health-equity-study
)
and we'll be sending links and reminders in our newsletters.
To download the file of all topics and surveys which you can print out, click
here
.
Need the materials printed? Request paper copies of the materials or if you have questions, please contact:
Ann Ward, HES Committee Chair, 330-285-0899,
Return the paper surveys to Ann Ward, 474 Longmere, Kent, OH 44240.
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ABOUT SURVEY MONKEY
Please note that the survey monkey response
does not constitute a vote nor does it contribute to the consensus.
It will be used as a tool to help the committee in selecting introductory material for questions at the meeting.
Your voice at the meeting makes all the difference in a meaningful and powerful result.
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DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ALL SURVEYS IS APRIL 6.
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WHEN TO EXPECT THE NEXT EMAIL
Sundays, March 8 &
March 22, 2020, 6 p.m
RATE THE NEW STUDY PROCESS, PLEASE
Once you've completed the seven topics, click
here
to evaluate the process and thank you in advance!
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HEALTH EQUITY STUDY TOPICS
FIRST SET OF TOPICS, FEB. 23
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Are These Factors Important for a Healthy Community?
We often take where we live for granted. But how does our environment impact our health? Should community access to foods that support healthy eating patterns be included? Should crime and violence be included? How about adequate and quality housing? Social determinants of health that impact people of all ages include conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. They include factors like socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and social support
networks, as well as access to health care.
Equity versus equality needs to be considered. Equity is the absence
of avoidable or remediable differences among groups of people, whether those groups are defined socially, economically, demographically or geographically. Therefore health inequities not only involve the lack of equal access to needed resources to maintain or improve health outcomes, they also refer to difficulty when it comes to "inequalities that infringe on fairness and human rights norms."
Recommended Resources (click on the titles):
Please click on the link to the survey, review the section and answer 'yes' or 'no' to the 10 statements.
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Factors Contributing to the Health of the Individual
Aside from access to health care, numerous factors have been reported to contribute to the health of an individual. Some of the factors that have been considered are listed below. In looking at this question, please consider all areas of the state. Imagine living in an area different from your own situation.
Recommended Resources (click on the titles):
Please click on the link to the survey below, and rank the factors in order of importance.
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Role of Not-For-Profit and Faith-Based Organizations
Non-profit and faith-based organizations have been identified as providing services to communities for many years. Advantages to faith-based organizations include availability of services when providers and services are limited or do not exist in a community; geographic location if resources or services are too far away or not easily accessed (such as limited transportation); and flexible hours if services are only available during normal business hours; welcoming environment in terms of race, culture, and/or language.
Disadvantages may include lack of knowledge in developing and executing programs and having the resources to provide services. Initially, there was minimal research in determining the value
of faith-based services and specific past issues have brought barriers to light. For instance, in response to Hurricane Katrina in 2009, faith-based, non-profit, and other non-government and volunteer
organizations continued to provide essential support to Hurricane Katrina victims, however, faith based and non-governmental agencies were not adequately integrated in the response effort. Much
reorganization has occurred and collaboration between many organizations is more evident. Examples of emergency response include Zika and Ebola breakouts, and natural disasters.
The Ohio General Assembly established The Ohio Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in 2003 to address issues in our state. At the federal level, the Office of Faith-Based and
Community Initiatives (OFBCI) was established by President Bush. Currently, federal and state organizations are thoughtfully developing evidenc-based models and strategies to incorporate faith-based organizations in addressing health needs. In addition to the CDC engaging community and faith-based organizations in public health emergencies, the CDC reached out for assistance in tobacco
cessation. The Partnership Circle is working with non-profit and faith-based organizations in addressing opioids and mental health.
Recommended Resources (click on the titles):
Please click on the link to the survey, review the section and answer 'yes', 'no' or 'no consensus' to the 10 statements.
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RATE THE NEW STUDY PROCESS, PLEASE
Once you've completed the seven topics, click
here
to evaluate the process and thank you in advance!
Join the Kent League Health Equity Study Committee. Email Ann Ward at
annhward@gmail.com
.
Interested in working on a committee or serving on the LWVK board, check out how you can participate
here
.
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