One of the top four strategic objectives in the American Academy of Family Physicians’ Strategic Plan reads “take a leadership role in addressing diversity and social determinants of health as they impact individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan and to strive for health equity.” To implement this Board-established priority, a new Center for Diversity and Health Equity is being formed.
“Our new Center for Diversity and Health Equity will position the AAFP to exert greater leadership on these important topics as they impact individual and population health,” said Bellinda Schoof, director, Health of the Public and Science Division. “The creation of the new Center is also consistent with the work of the Commission on Health of the Public and Science and its subcommittee on health equity as well as recent discussions at the AAFP Congress of Delegates and the National Conference of Constituency Leaders.”
“We are committed to developing this new Center, which addresses an important need for our members, their patients, and communities.” said Julie Wood, MD, senior vice president for health of the public and interprofessional activities. “This led to some refocusing of our current Health of the Public activities to implement strategies that entail a comprehensive approach.”
“As we recruit staff with specific expertise and skills for the new Center, we will be looking for individuals with a proven track record in social epidemiology, policy, health equity, and collaboration with community organizations who can support our members in promoting evidence-based community and policy changes needed to address social determinants of health,” Dr. Wood continued.
Initial activities of the new Center will include an assessment to identify AAFP member needs and education as well as a review of current and needed AAFP policy. Additionally, the Center will address workforce diversity, research regarding health equity, and advocacy for a broader set of policies and collaborations that will position the AAFP to better address the social determinants of health.
Establishment of the Center is part of a realignment of staffing within the division. Some positions have been repurposed, but the full scope of existing work within the division will continue.