Health Equity
Health Equity is the state in which everyone has fair and just opportunity to obtain their highest level of health. This opportunity arises from the social determinants of health like access to employment, housing and medical care. Health and health equity are determined by the conditions in which people live, grow, work and play (WHO). People’s living conditions and access to health resources are impacted by discrimination and prejudice. Providing equitable access to resources is a fundamental goal of health equity.
Health Equity and Substance Use
- UPDATED Drug User Health Resource Guide (NCDHHS 2024)
- 2024 Companion Infographic Report: Results from the 2021 to 2024 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (SAMHSA)
Health Equity and Incarceration
- One in Five: Racial Disparity in Imprisonment – Causes and Remedies (2022 Report by The Sentencing Project)
- The Clean Slate Act: A Pathway to Criminal Justice Reform
- The Dignity for Women Who are Incarcerated Act (NC General Assembly 2021)
- This document outlines requirements for the provision of health services to women who are incarcerated such as access to menstrual products, resources while pregnant and protocols for detention center staff engagement with incarcerated persons.
- See Incarcerated Women’s Health for more information.
- North Carolina Jail Health Toolkit (NCDHHS 2025)
- North Carolina Jail Health Toolkit Appendix (NCDHHS 2025)
Drug Policy