We share a commitment to the definition of Health Equity developed by the national Oral Health Progress & Equity Network (OPEN) of which we are partners:
Health equity is attainment of the highest level of health for all people. Achieving health equity requires:
- Valuing everyone equally
- Focusing on societal efforts to address avoidable inequalities
- Recognizing and rectifying historical injustices
- Addressing contemporary injustices
- Eliminating health and healthcare disparities, and
- Assuring structural and personal conditions are in place to support optimal health.
(Adapted from Healthy People 2020 and Dr. Camara Jones)
Ensuring all children and families have the opportunity and the tools for good oral health is at the heart of our shared mission, with health equity as a core principle of the work that we do across all areas of the Network. One key focus of COHN is to build relationships with and secure funding for community-based organizations representing groups who have been underserved by our existing dental care system to participate in COHN initiatives and support their engagement with community members to identify the changes that will improve oral health and ensure better access to the care that is needed in their communities.
COHN oral health equity partners:
Maine Access Immigrant Network (MAIN)
Cross Cultural Community Services (CCCS)
New Mainers Public Health Initiative
- IHP Oral Health in Immigrant Communities [powerpoint]
Key Resources
-
OPEN Health Equity Toolkit
from Oral Health Progress & Equity Network (OPEN) -
Equity and Community Engagement in Statewide Oral Health Policy Advocacy
from Community Catalyst -
State of Oral Health Equity in America 2021
from CareQuest