Health Policy & Equity Affinity Network (HPEN AN)

Moving the needle forward in addressing health inequity requires population-level changes that integrate innovative transdisciplinary approaches, operationalized by policies at the organizational, local, state and federal levels. In order to truly improve population health, it is necessary that these policies are informed, not only by various health researchers, but also by community-based experts, community members and the health delivery organizations providing care to these communities. The Health Policy and Equity Network (HPEN) seeks to bridge silos among these stakeholders to reduce health disparities and effectively translate evidence into policy by engaging with and gaining “buy-in” from community members and their policymakers. The Affinity Network will achieve this goal through two main functions:

• Translational policy projects.

• A consultation and partnership-building arm connected to CHS faculty, particularly those leading Translational Teams.

HPEN will serve as a premier resource for local and national health policies impacting the health care and outcomes of vulnerable populations. HPEN’s goals:

1. Education: Develop the future health workforce by engaging students in equity-focused work inside and outside of traditional classroom settings through courses, case studies and experiential learning opportunities.

2. Research: Provide high-quality, evidence-based academic research conducted by a team of interdisciplinary faculty from across the university, dedicated network staff, student researchers, policymakers, community partners and health care delivery systems. This research is intended to inform responsive federal, state, local and organizational policies that reduce health disparities and improve equity in communities of interest.

3. Knowledge Hub: Operate as a hub of faculty and student experts in equity-driven health policy that can serve as a consultational arm to help delineate the role of policy in existing CHS research projects and future Translational Teams.