Identifying and Dismantling Racist Narratives to Promote Health Equity

Abstract

This commentary calls for a collective shift towards identifying and dismantling the pervasive racist health narratives contributing to and perpetuating health inequities. We define narrative and narrative change in the context of health equity, provide the context of racist health narratives, and elevate specific policies and efforts that can shift the narrative around racial inequities in health and health care. Researchers, individuals, organizations implementing interventions, and other stakeholders need to identify and unravel harmful narratives to advance equitable care and health outcomes.