To ensure health and wellbeing for all, we must advance programs and policies that eliminate health disparities and address the underlying inequities that cause them. Yet the label for this concept of “health equity” has become politicized and distracting. In some states, public health agencies have been directed not to use the term. This chilling effect has, at times, made it difficult for practitioners and advocates to focus attention on their important work addressing health inequities, particularly in rural contexts, where many health inequities persist.

We can’t walk away from the work of addressing uneven and unfair health burdens that weigh on rural communities, communities of color, and other underserved groups—it’s too urgent and important.

In this resource, local public health communicators will find ways to cultivate more curiosity-driven conversations that engage people in thinking about effective public responses. The resources may also prove useful for others in public health – a broad field that includes professionals in local, state, and federal agencies, public health associations, community-based organizations, academic researchers, and more.