Community-Level Strategies for Addressing Disparities in Healthy People 2030 Leading Health Indicators.

Abstract

The Healthy People 2030 Leading Health Indicators (LHIs) offer a select set of measurable objectives to help community-based organizations focus their efforts to improve health equity and reduce health disparities across the lifespan within the populations they serve. Disparities are observed across LHIs, including infant mortality, maternal mortality, and food insecurity, and reducing these disparities is a key strategy for improving health and well-being for all. This study was designed to answer the following research questions: (1) What programs and initiatives are organizations implementing to address the LHIs of focus - infant mortality, maternal mortality, and food insecurity? (2) How do organizations determine which programs and initiatives they will implement? NORC conducted 9 qualitative interviews with Healthy People 2030 Champions, organizations dedicated to furthering Healthy People goals and objectives, who are working to address disparities within infant mortality, maternal mortality, and food insecurity through a variety of strategies, interventions, and programs. Wraparound services, doula programs, and education and advocacy emerged as common strategies for addressing disparities in maternal and infant mortality. Organizations that are working to reduce household food insecurity and hunger implemented food pharmacies and support participant enrollment in federal food assistance programs. Interviewees shared strategies for determining programs to implement and continued program improvement including assessing community needs, leveraging partnerships, and measuring program success. Healthy People Champion organizations are using several multidimensional strategies to address infant mortality, maternal mortality, and food insecurity in their communities. These strategies, and the community-based organizations that implement them, are critical for addressing disparities in priority health outcomes among the people who have the greatest need. These findings offer insights into how local communities are tackling national priorities and underscore opportunities for more rigorous evaluation to demonstrate progress toward addressing disparities in the LHIs.