Applying a Health Equity Lens to Program Planning

Program planning is one of the core roles of public health and community organizations, establishing clear direction, priorities, and methods for measuring success. Tools and frameworks for program planning provide essential supports to organizations wishing to address the social determinants of health and health equity at a community and population level. Existing processes can be strengthened to address health equity through the incorporation of additional tools or “lenses” that cue practitioners to identify key elements necessary to address health inequities.

This webinar looks at the “Community Planning Tool: Applying a health equity lens to program planning” resource available from Fraser Health Authority in British Columbia as an example of how to apply a health equity lens to complement current program planning practices. Seven planning steps are discussed, including assessing inequities, developing partnerships, engaging community, selecting approaches, implementation and monitoring, progress assessment, and maintaining momentum.

Speakers reflect on practical examples where this tool has been applied, and guidance on how to approach each of these steps will be explored. This tool may be of interest to frontline practitioners and leaders at all levels of the public health system, especially program managers and directors, as well as community-based organizations.

Source: This webinar was offered jointly by the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health (NCCDH) and the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT). Speakers included Meghan Martin and Samantha Tong.