HERE4Justice works to advance health equity and social justice as they affect our communities, domestically and globally. We understand that societal structures and policies disproportionately and intentionally benefit some, while disadvantaging others. We know these inequities to be unfair, unjust, avoidable, and interconnected. Knowledge is power(ful), and often, it leaves two choices: to do nothing, or to act for change. We choose to act! We are committed to engaging in a structural analysis of inequalities, always looking toward upstream determinants, and to connecting our work to our mutual liberation. We hold ourselves accountable to taking concrete, tangible, and measurable actions that have impact.
Therefore, we engage in activism and partnership, with our mission in our hearts and the following goals as our guide:
Education and Awareness: Raise awareness and counter popular narratives focused on downstream responsibilities.
Advocacy and Structural Change: Advocate to change policies and structures that perpetuate unfair, discriminatory systems of stratification.
Campaigns and Programs: Create campaigns that are impact-driven, inclusive, accessible, and readily portable, and which leverage online and virtual communities.
The concept of health equity stems from an understanding that public health and social justice are deeply intertwined. The focus of Simmons University Master of Public Health program, delivered online, is to prepare students to work toward achieving health equity at local, national, and global levels.