What if the key to solving health disparities isn’t in treating the symptoms but in transforming the very foundation of our communities?

In this episode, Kristal Popp, social epidemiologist, emphasizes addressing the root causes of health disparities, such as structural racism and socioeconomic inequities, rather than focusing solely on health outcomes. She highlights how institutional, personally mediated, and internalized racism shapes health disparities, particularly in under-resourced and Indigenous communities. Through her work, Kristal has demonstrated that improving community conditions leads to better health outcomes, including reduced cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. However, structural barriers, such as limited data access for Tribal Epidemiology Centers, persist, hindering efforts to empower Indigenous communities to address their own health needs. Kristal calls for collective action, systemic change, and cultural competence in healthcare to ensure long-term equity and trust for marginalized populations.

Tune in for powerful insights on tackling structural racism, empowering Indigenous communities, and why changing the 'soil' we all grow is essential for building a healthier, more equitable future!