A Local Health Department Approach to Improving Health Equity Practices through Workforce Development

The Monterey County Health Department (MCHD), California, realized a need to develop a broader understanding of health equity among staff as part of MCHD’s Health in All Policies (HiAP) initiative.  MCHD researched and adapted promising practice curricula to create the Health Equity Scholars Academy (HESA) to embed a thorough understanding within its public health workforce of equity and the social determinants of health.   HESA enrolls MCHD employees who have a demonstrated interest and commitment to social justice and equity for low-income and communities of color, have strong personal motivation, seek learning and growth opportunities, and are dedicated to personal, professional and leadership development.  In turn, HESA strives to empower staff to affect change in Monterey County.

HESA participants receive in-depth training in the public health system, its core functions and ten essential services, cultural competency and cultural humility, the history of race and racism in the United States, and the social determinants of health and health equity.   HESA incorporates MCHD’s strategic plan's systems integration approach to carry forward the plan's initiatives with a focus on prevention that advocates a HiAP or “whole government” approach to health. Scholars are provided with practical skills and tools to educate peers in equity and address health disparities.

Details of steps taken to develop the HESA series will be provided, including an overview of the development of modules and successes and challenges in design, implementation, facilitation, budgetary concerns, barriers, curriculum assessment and staff response.