Converge recently partnered with the Vermont Department of Health to deliver a comprehensive 12-week R.I.S.E. (Racial and Intersection Equity) training course for their staff. This project, a critical step toward fostering health equity, included a series of learning modules that laid the groundwork for understanding systemic oppression, the history of racism, and the implications for health equity in Vermont. From foundational teachings in the first module, which explores White supremacy culture and its societal impact, to the advanced modules on leadership for supervisors and department leaders, this course was designed to empower staff with the tools and knowledge needed to champion racial equity in public health.
The Vermont Department of Health’s investment in this program underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring its staff is well-prepared to address health disparities. By prioritizing racial and health equity training, the department is positioning itself to lead the way in creating policies and practices that support equitable health outcomes for all residents. At the VDH, they understand that to address the roots of systemic inequity, they must be actively engaged in dismantling them.
The importance of health equity cannot be overstated. It is the foundation for ensuring that everyone, regardless of race, income, or background, has fair access to the resources and care they need to live healthy lives. As highlighted in the “RISE Part 3: Dismantling Racism & Inequity” module, the training emphasizes how collective power and community involvement are critical in addressing the structural racism that has long persisted in the health sector. Health equity is not just about treating illness but creating systems that support the well-being of all communities, with a special focus on those that have been historically marginalized.
To further explore the importance of health equity in Vermont and beyond, we invite you to listen to a special episode of Converge’s podcast, “Converge for Change: The Business of Social Justice.” In the episode, Measuring Success in Health Equity, Converge CEO Takema Robinson engages in an insightful discussion about health equity in Vermont with Dr. Marissa Coleman, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Together they delve into the importance of this work and the strategies being employed to make meaningful change. This dialogue complements the RISE training by providing a practical understanding of health equity beyond the theory, providing listeners with a deeper connection to the subject and inspiring action.
By: Kalea Selmon
