ICYMI: Recent HPIO work spotlights connection between racism and health

Several recent HPIO publications and events have focused on the connections between race and health:

• Last month, HPIO released a fact sheet, titled “State and Local Policymakers: Ensuring Ohioans of Color Have a Fair Opportunity for Good Health,” that outlines actions state and local policymakers can take to support the health and well-being of Ohioans of color and move Ohio toward a more economically vibrant and healthier future. The fact sheet is the first in a series of three that provides action steps that can be taken to address the health impacts of racism. The publication highlights eight action steps that policymakers can take, including examples from policymakers in Ohio and across the country.
• Also in September, HPIO released two new fact sheets that detail the impact of the addiction crisis on different groups of Ohioans. One of the fact sheets, “HPIO Addiction Evidence Project: Insights on Addiction and Race,” provides data and information on differences in addiction outcomes by race, and the factors that drive those differences, with a focus on Black Ohioans. The second fact sheet explores differences in addiction outcomes across Ohio communities based on region and county type.
• This week, HPIO hosted a forum titled “What’s on the Horizon: Connections between Racism and Health.” The online forum provided an overview of the role racism has played in shaping the health of Ohioans of color. Ohio and national speakers discussed barriers to learning about racism and provided new strategies for communicating on health equity. A recording of the event is posted on the event page.