HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Health has announced a two-day Health Equity Summit in partnership with Harrisburg University, slated for April 4-5. With the theme of “Joy and Justice,” the event aims to unite stakeholders from various sectors to address health disparities in the state.
“Health equity is at the heart of our work,” said Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “This summit is an opportunity to bring together champions of equity, share resources, and translate words into action.”
The summit aligns with the Department of Health’s five-year State Health Improvement Plan, which prioritizes addressing social determinants of health to improve health equity across Pennsylvania. By focusing on these factors, such as income, education, and social support networks, the department hopes to ensure every Pennsylvanian has the opportunity to live a joyful life with justice for all.
The 2024 Health Equity Summit will convene academics, healthcare professionals, state agencies, nonprofits, foundations, and faith-based organizations. Together, they’ll work toward the goal of eliminating health disparities in Pennsylvania by 2030. The event aims to raise awareness about health equity and address differences in health outcomes across communities.
Panel discussions will delve into topics like maternal health, environmental justice and climate change, and health equity policy. Keynote speaker Anthony Iton M.D., J.D., MPH, Senior Vice President for Programs & Partnerships of The California Endowment, will present on April 5.
The summit aims to foster solutions and promote collaborative engagement among professionals, ensuring Pennsylvanians can live their healthiest and best lives. The discussions and solutions proposed during the summit could have far-reaching implications, extending beyond the two-day event to improve the health of those who need special consideration to mitigate health risks.
The event will kick off with a half-day gathering at the UPMC Health Tower at Harrisburg University on April 4, followed by special film screenings. The full-day event on April 5 will be hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Health at the Harrisburg University main campus building. Participants can attend either in-person or virtually, with registration open through March 22.
Find more information on the 2024 Health Equity Summit online here.
The Health Equity Summit aims to address disparities and promote health equity. By convening a diverse group of stakeholders, the event aims to foster innovative solutions that can help Pennsylvanians lead healthier, more equitable lives.
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