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Efficiency, customer-centered, innovation, and high quality are values that drive the staff, <br />services, and programs within the OCHD. The department is examining itself internally <br />and externally through a racial equity lens to ensure those values are upheld for all who <br />come in contact with OCHD. We recognize that systems can be responsible for <br />perpetuating racism in the community; therefore the department is working to dismantle <br />racism by reviewing all policies, programs, services, and work culture to ensure that all <br />clients receive the services that they need most and that staff have an work environment <br />in which they feel valued. <br /> <br />Priority: Social Determinants of Health <br />Health is much more than what happens within the walls of a clinic or hospital. Health is <br />influenced by our homes, schools, jobs, and access to social and economic opportunities. <br />These impacts on health are known as the Social Determinants of Health (SDH). Issues <br />such as poverty, access to care, employment and transportation were all discussed as im- <br />portant SDH in Orange County by residents during the 2015 Community Health Assess- <br />ment. The Board of Health will work to address these issues through the focus areas and <br />subsequent action steps below. <br />Focus Area #1: Serve as a catalyst and advocate for health outcomes in the Family <br />Success Alliance. <br /> 1) By January 2019, the Board of Health will further explore policy and funding <br />options to support the updated Family Success Alliance Strategic Plan. <br /> 2) By August 2019, Health Department staff will explore the use of clinical tools, <br />such as ACEs screening, to use in OCHD clinics to identify important social deter- <br />minants of health and appropriate interventions. <br />Focus Area #2: Advocate for and pursue policies and practices aimed at improving <br />access to care. <br /> 1) Annually, the Board of Health will offer support to the Healthy Carolinians Access <br />to Care Committee to raise awareness and utilization of transportation and NC 211 <br />in Orange County. <br />Action Steps <br />Page 3 <br />(Left) REC logo (Pictured Center) In April 2018 Orange County Government sponsored a delegation to attend <br />the Equity Summit 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Right) The Racial Equity Commission (REC) is a nine-member <br />committee that serves as a catalyst to ensure that racial equity is an active agent throughout all organziational <br />processes and to improve the work environment for all staff members.