Equity and Access
Equity is essential to our ability to be healthy and to achieve our full potential in life. Equity means that no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of race, ability or other factors.
Kaiser Permanente understands equity as a core dimension of health. Consistent with our mission and vision, we have laid a strong foundation for equity and inclusion in how we deliver health care and provide for the health needs of our communities. And that same foundation is at the heart of Thriving Schools.
Approaching school health with an equity lens means making sure that all students have an equitable place at the starting line of their education. It recognizes that providing an education while also addressing the health needs of students ensures that all students will get a fair chance at learning. It also means that school staff and teachers are supported in their health and well-being in a way that honors their unique identities, promotes diversity of thought, and encourages collaboration.
Racial Justice
Like many institutional systems and structures, particularly in the U.S., schools have played a role in creating and perpetuating racism and racial inequities.
Access to Care
It’s important to connect the education and health care needs of the school community so that both students and school employees can more readily get their health needs met.
Attendance
Student well-being depends upon students being able to show up when school is in session.
