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Mission, Vision,
& Values
MISSION
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Foster Future Physician Leaders in Health Equity Today
Aequitas Health was formed from the recognition of the significant health inequities that exist within the healthcare ecosystem. Highlighted by glaring health disparities coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognized a groundswell of interest of medical students in their future positions as community leaders, positioned to improve health equity in not only their clinical practice but also in their neighborhoods.
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Aequitas Health was formed in 2021 to recognize a society of fellows dedicated to the cause of health equity and to eradicate health disparities in all shapes and fashion. The inaugural chapter was formed at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, focused on the Native American communities of South Dakota as well as the health disparities that exist in the Black and Hispanic communities of the state.
VISION
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Recognizing and Developing Medical Students into Physician Leaders Dedicated to Achieving Health Equity
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Creating a Community of Learning, Sharing, and Support
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Supporting Innovative Local Health Equity Solutions
VALUES
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Equity | Community | Learning | Justice
"Health equity is achieved when every person has the opportunity to “attain his or her full health potential” and no one is “disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstances."
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- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
"Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. This requires removing obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and their consequences, including powerlessness and lack of access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education and housing, safe environments, and health care."
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- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)