Promoting Health Equity Through Economic Opportunity

A person’s economic well-being can be a driver of their mental and physical health, while an individual’s overall health status can affect their income and economic well-being. One example of how overall health and economic well-being are connected was the COVID-19 pandemic, as people in the United States simultaneously experienced health and economic crises. While current unemployment rates are among historic lows, the uneven economic recovery spotlights the degree to which household financial security remains fragile in America, particularly along racial and socioeconomic divides. States are uniquely positioned to take action to fill gaps in the economic security safety net and adopt innovative solutions to help communities thrive.

A panel of subject experts discussed the impact of COVID-19 pandemic financial assistance programs and opportunities to enact evidence-based policies to further address the economic needs of communities, improve their financial stability, and promote their health and well-being.

Panelists:

Dr. Tekisha Dwan Everette, Ph.D., MPA, MPH, CPH, Executive Vice President, Trust for America’s Health (Moderator)

Rachel Snyderman, Director of Economic Policy, Bipartisan Policy Center

Isabel Dickson, MPH, Economic Mobility Program Manager, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Leandra Lacy, MPH, CHES, Training and Technical Assistance Manager, Urban Institute Research to Action Lab