thechrisconway@gmail.com, Author at Medical Inflatables

Health inequity. Health disparity. The health gap. There are nuances to each label, but the gist of it is that health, health education, and healthcare is not the same for everyone. The differences and impact can be broken down by gender, by race or ethnicity, by income, or by geography – any and all of these things can contribute to unequal access to healthcare services, clean air, nutritious food, and safe living environments.

In contrast to health inequity, health equity is the attainment of the highest level of health and health care for all people, emphasizing the need to reduce and ultimately eliminate disparities in health and its determinants.

Some of the data behind health (in)equity

There’s no shortage of studies and data that clearly demonstrate the real-world impact of health inequity. For example:

-The average amount of time women spend in poor health is nine years, which is 25% more time than men. This carries over to productivity and workforce availability, which can decrease earnings and further increase the gender health gap through economic inequality. (Source: McKinsey)
-In the United States, Black and Latino populations experience higher rates of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity compared to White populations. Yet there are far fewer clinical trials available to these communities for newer diabetes drugs. (Source: NIH)
-Individuals living below the poverty line are significantly more likely to suffer from poor health outcomes. A 2020 study found that people in the lowest income bracket had a life expectancy 12 years shorter than those in the highest income bracket. (Source: NIH)
-Rural residents are more likely to have cancers related to modifiable risks, such as tobacco use, human papillomavirus (HPV), and lack of preventive colorectal and cervical cancer screenings. (Source: NIH)

These are by no means the only data points, and we’ll dive deeper into the risks and impact across various demographics in future blog posts.

how health equity can be achieved

When discussing health equity, it’s essential to recognize the distinction between equality and equity. Equality means giving everyone the same resources, while equity involves distributing resources based on the needs of the recipients. For instance, providing the same healthcare resources to a wealthy neighborhood and a low-income area does not address the underlying disparities; instead, more resources might be needed in the latter to achieve equitable health outcomes.

Addressing these health disparities requires the removal of obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and deep power imbalances. And, while progress towards health equity requires a multifaceted approach, one factor that can be perhaps most easily influenced is the introduction of health education and screening to underserved communities and demographics, through health fairs.

The role of health fairs in achieving health equity

Health fairs can be instrumental in improving health equity by providing essential health services, education, and resources. These community-centered events offer various health services, screenings, and educational materials, for free, or at a low cost.

And they can significantly contribute to promoting health equity in several ways:

Access to health services: Health fairs can offer immediate access to a range of health services that might otherwise be inaccessible – or difficult to access – to underserved populations. Think screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer, as well as vaccinations and dental check-ups. By bringing these services directly to the community, health fairs can help bridge the gap for individuals who lack regular access to healthcare due to financial constraints, lack of transportation, or other barriers.

Health education and awareness: One of the key components of health fairs is education. Attendees can learn about disease prevention, healthy lifestyles, and the importance of regular medical check-ups. Health professionals may provide valuable information on nutrition, exercise, mental health, and managing chronic conditions. This empowers individuals to take charge of their health and make informed decisions, which is crucial for improving health outcomes in underserved communities.

Early detection and prevention: Many health issues, such as hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers, can be effectively managed or even prevented if detected early. Health fairs facilitate early detection by providing free or low-cost screenings. Early diagnosis can prevent the progression of diseases and reduce the burden on the healthcare system. For many individuals in low-income or remote areas, health fairs may be their only opportunity for early detection of potential health problems.

Community engagement and trust-building: Health fairs foster a sense of community and trust between healthcare providers and community members. When healthcare professionals engage with the community in a friendly and approachable setting, it can break down barriers of mistrust and cultural misunderstandings. This trust is essential for encouraging individuals to seek medical care when needed and to adhere to medical advice.

Resource distribution: Beyond health services, health fairs often distribute or help open access to essential resources such as healthy food, hygiene products, and information about local health services and support groups. These resources can make a significant difference in the daily lives of individuals who might be struggling to meet their basic needs.

Health fairs are a powerful means of promoting health equity by providing underserved communities with access to essential health services, education, and resources. They address barriers to healthcare access, promote early detection and prevention, and foster community engagement and trust. While challenges remain, the positive impact of health fairs on health equity is undeniable. By continuing to support and expand these initiatives, we can make significant strides toward a more equitable healthcare system where everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal health.

And if you’re thinking about how to organize or promote your health fair, check out these articles:

> Health Fair Planning Guide
> 8 Steps to Promote Your Health Fair or Health Awareness Event

While Medical Inflatables may not be a traditional healthcare company, we partner with healthcare organizations – including hospitals, educational institutions, non-profits, and pharmaceutical companies – to help make health education more accessible, more engaging, and more effective. With that, it’s important for us to know what’s happening across the industry, so we listen to a lot of healthcare podcasts – podcasts that cover interesting and important subjects like health equity, medtech, patient experience, and healthcare marketing.

There’s no shortage of sharp, creative folks doing great work out there in the healthcare podcast space, but here are some of our favorite listens. If you have any recommendations that aren’t included here, send them our way!

TED Health

Hosted by Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, TED Health delivers insightful and thought-provoking episodes on health and wellness, featuring leading experts and innovators. Topics range from medical breakthroughs to mental health strategies and public health trends. These short, engaging episodes inspire listeners to think differently about personal health and global healthcare challenges, making complex ideas accessible and actionable.

All episodes: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

HIT Like a Girl Pod

Hosts Joy Rios spotlights the women shaping health IT in HIT Like a Girl Pod. This podcast celebrates the successes and insights of female leaders while addressing industry challenges. With an approachable and empowering tone, it’s a must-listen for anyone passionate about diversity, innovation, and technology in healthcare.

All episodes: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Perspectives on Health and Tech

Presented by Oracle, Perspectives on Health and Tech dives into how technology is revolutionizing healthcare. Topics include AI, interoperability, and patient engagement, with expert guests offering practical insights. This podcast simplifies complex tech concepts, making it a great resource for professionals navigating the digital health space.

Recommended listen… Women’s health: Technology and patient engagement

All episodes: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Faces of Digital Health

Host Tjasa Zajc explores the global impact of digital transformation in Faces of Digital Health. From telemedicine to healthcare policy, each episode connects listeners with experts and entrepreneurs shaping the future of care. The international scope provides a fresh perspective on healthcare challenges and opportunities worldwide.

All episodes: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Bright Spots in Healthcare

Bright Spots in Healthcare, hosted by Eric Glazer, shares real-world success stories in healthcare innovation. The show highlights proven strategies and best practices, featuring leaders who have made measurable improvements in patient care and operational efficiency. It’s a treasure trove of actionable ideas for healthcare professionals.

All episodes: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Becker’s Healthcare Podcast brings insights straight from top healthcare executives and industry thought leaders. The episodes cover leadership strategies, industry challenges, and policy trends, offering a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape. It’s an educational listen for anyone in the healthcare field.

All episodes: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Caretalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered.

Caretalk, hosted by John Driscoll and David Williams, offers candid discussions on healthcare’s most pressing issues. Covering policy, innovation, and the business of healthcare, the hosts bring a mix of humor, expertise, and unfiltered opinions to every episode. It’s an engaging listen for those looking for fresh perspectives.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Healthcare Rap

Healthcare Rap, hosted by Jared Johnson and Zain Ismail, reimagines the patient experience with creative and thought-provoking conversations. Using storytelling and even rap, the podcast explores marketing, consumer engagement, and innovation. It’s a fun, unique take on building a more patient-focused healthcare system.

Recommended listen… What if Hospitals Don’t Change Course?

All episodes: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

dr marketing tips podcast

Dr Marketing Tips Podcast, hosted by Jennifer Thompson and Corey Rivard, helps healthcare providers grow their practices with smart marketing strategies. Episodes cover topics like patient engagement, reputation management, and social media. Their approachable tone makes it easy for practices to implement practical tips for long-term success.

All episodes: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Hosting a health fair, health awareness, or preventative screening event is an excellent way to engage the community, raise awareness, and promote healthy lifestyles. But even the most well-planned event will only be successful if people attend. To ensure you reach the right audience, a well-considered promotional plan is essential.

Here are 8 steps to effectively promote your health event, starting with the smaller, easier things you can directly influence:

1. Define your target audience and goals

Before you can promote your event, clearly identify who you’re trying to reach, and why. Are you targeting families, seniors, or young adults, or a specific demographic such as women or individuals with certain health risks? Are you trying to increase awareness of a specific disease or health risk? Encourage or offer preventative screening?

Clearly identifying both your audience and your goals will help you tailor your message, choose the right promotional channels, create an event that appeals to the needs and interests of your audience, and make it easier to measure the outcome of your event.

2. Come up with incentives for attendance

Providing incentives can be a great way to attract attendees. Think about offering:

– Free health screenings or consultations (if this isn’t already part of the plan)

– Gift bags with wellness products or coupons to local businesses

– Raffles or door prizes for participants

– Free health workshops or fitness classes during the event

Be sure to feature any incentives prominently in your promotional materials.

3. Leverage your database with email outreach

If you’re running a health awareness event, chances are good that you have a database of contacts who fit your target audience. A short series of three emails – Save the Date, Event Highlights, and an Event Reminder – can go a long way in creating and sustaining interest.

Don’t forget to personalize your emails to make them more engaging. And if you’re targeting multiple audiences, segment your email list and tailor the messaging for each group.

4. To expand event awareness, start with social media

Social media is a powerful tool for spreading the word about your event beyond the folks in your CRM. Build event pages on Facebook and LinkedIn, and share regular updates leading up to the event or run a contest with event-related prizes. Create engaging visuals, videos, and infographics to capture attention, highlight key details such as date, time, location, and what attendees can expect, and clearly communicate the benefits of attending. Remember to use relevant hashtags, particularly if your event is related to a widely-known health observance like Lung Cancer or Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

As you build your content plan, remember that personal stories and testimonials are powerful tools. Beyond standard event information, you can share stories of individuals or families who have benefited from similar events or initiatives. Highlighting how a previous attendee discovered a health issue early through a screening or learned and applied valuable wellness tips will help potential attendees connect the dots on how and why your event may be beneficial.

Finally, reach out to the folks who run local or regionally-focused social media accounts, or national organizations that might share the same goals. They can amplify your message. Ask them to promote your event through their channels, whether by sharing posts, creating content that you can share, and invite them to attend the event themselves.

4. Partner with local businesses and organizations

Reach out to local organizations, businesses, and community groups to boost your promotional efforts. Schools, gyms, senior centers, and healthcare providers can help distribute flyers, share event details on their social media pages, and encourage their members to attend. If your event aligns with a particular cause or health initiative, partnering with related nonprofits or advocacy groups can also enhance both credibility and visibility.

5. Don’t underestimate traditional media and press releases

While digital marketing is essential, don’t overlook traditional media outlets. Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, and TV channels to promote your event. Local media outlets often offer free community event listings, and some may be willing to feature your event in an on-air segment if it’s newsworthy. A well-crafted pitch, event summary, and/or press release make it easier for those outlets to run with your story.

6. Distribute flyers and posters

Flyers and posters placed in high-traffic areas such as libraries, grocery stores, community centers, coffee shops, and healthcare facilities are another inexpensive but effective way to promote your event. A visually appealing design will help your poster standout, but the message is equally important. Be sure to include all essential information, and a URL or QR code for your event’s website or registration page.

8. Seek out community calendars and online listings

Get the word out by posting your event on community calendars and platforms like Eventbrite, Meetup, EventBoost or local city websites, and look for Facebook groups that align with your audience. These tools are magnets for people actively hunting for fun and educational things to do in their area.

And don’t forget: promotion doesn’t end once the event is over. Following up with attendees helps maintain engagement and encourages them to participate in or share information about future events. Send thank-you emails, share photos or videos from the event, and invite feedback to learn how you can improve (we’ll cover post-event best practices in another blog post, as well).

If you’re looking for ideas about how to create a one-of-a-kind health fair or health awareness event, check out our Health Fair Planning Guide.