How does the history of structural discrimination in the United States perpetuate inequities in rural places today? What policy strategies can address the root causes of inequities and foster rural prosperity for all? In June 2024, ChangeLab Solutions and the Geographic Health Equity Alliance hosted a two-part webinar series, Policy Tools for Rural Equity & Prosperity, which unpacked these questions and more.
Part 1: History, Impact & Possibility on Wednesday, June 5, at 10am PT / 1pm ET provided grounding in the history of systemic barriers that have impeded rural and tribal communities’ health, well-being, and opportunity, and also discussed how the legacy of these impacts still resounds today. Panelists examined how community-driven policy can improve tobacco and cancer prevention strategies as well as access to resources such as clean water, broadband, healthy food, and paid leave, so that everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Watch the webinar recording for Part 1. Access the webinar slides for Part 1.
Part 2: Policy Development Process & Examples on Wednesday, June 12, at 11am PT / 2pm ET explored how governments and their partners can engage rural BIPOC communities to improve policy outcomes by using the policy process — from assessment through development, implementation, and evaluation — as a tool for health equity. Partnerships, framing, and data are core components in integrating residents — especially those who historically have been marginalized — into policy solutions. Part 2 looked more closely at the tobacco and cancer prevention policies highlighted in Part 1, focusing on community-centered practices. Watch the webinar recording for Part 2. Access the webinar slides for Part 2.
5/22/2024; Updated 8/30/2024
