Clark County Women's Health Equity Research
(WHER)
Examining the Challenges and Experiences Driving Health Inequities for Women in Clark County & Supporting Community-Based Action
IRB Approved by PSU
Supported and Funded by:
2025 Clark County Women's Health Equity Research Study (WHER 1)
WHAT IS HEALTH EQUITY?
The World Health Organization defines health equity as the absence of unfair and avoidable differences in health among groups defined by social, economic, demographic, or other factors. Health equity is shaped by social, environmental, biological, and structural determinants, including political and economic systems that influence resource distribution and often embed discriminatory practices that marginalize underrepresented groups in health care decision-making.
ABOUT PROJECT
Recent data by the Society for Women’s Health Information highlighted disparities in women’s health across the lifespan, all of which are further exacerbated when accounting for race/ethnicity. In other words, we know that different groups of women experience a wide range of outcomes in the health, wellness, and healthcare arenas. We want to understand how the experiences of women of color in Clark County compare to the national statistics reported. This research used an intersectional framework and Participatory Action Research (PAR) methods to examine how social determinants impact women of color’s health and well-being in Clark County, WA.
EXISTING RESEARCH FRAMEWORK
Dismissed Concerns
Even though, some health issues and chronic diseases impact women solely, differently, or disproportionately, women are more likely to be dismissed by health care providers.
4
Medical Racism
Disparities are exacerbated for women of color. For instance, Black women report more negative experiences with health care providers than other groups.
5
Institutional Harm
Health systems may not only fail to provide women with high-quality, accessible care, but can also cause harm when women seek treatment.
2
Culturally Congruent Care
Representation based on gender, race, and ethnicity in health care are essential, but female providers of color are severely lacking.
6
Community Impact
We need our community to flourish. This happens in the presence of close interpersonal relationships and feelings of connectedness when basic needs are also being met.
7
OUR FINDINGS
-
When women have their basic needs, health care needs, social, and community needs met, they flourish.​
-
​The reported medical racism was either experienced at an interpersonal level (ie., providers being dismissive, making assumptions based on race, ethnicity, and gender, and disrespectfully belittling clients needs and preferences) or structural level (ie., institutional barriers such as limited access to culturally competent care from providers that align with your gender, race, and ethnicity, and to offer culturally- informed care.)
-
​Women use several strategies to overcome health care barriers, including rejecting harmful treatments, seeking alternative care options, and building self-advocacy and support networks within their communities.​​​
IMPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY-BASED SOLUTION
To address the root causes of health disparities for women in Clark County, community-based actions should employ effective approaches that improve how we:​
-
Expand resources that help women and families meet their basic needs.
-
Commit to improving environmental health by ensuring cleaner air, water, and food.
-
Strengthen food sovereignty and support marginalized communities in accessing healthy, culturally appropriate foods.
-
Address systemic harm in health care by investing in early support such as doula care from birth.
-
Build stronger trust and communication between patients and providers.
-
Increase access to providers of color across the region.
-
Increase access to health care, including naturopathic and culturally significant care options.
​
Presentations Available from Our Team: Contact Abby Hollopeter
ABBY HOLLOPETER
Community Engagement Coordinator & Researcher
SARAH CHIVERS, PHD
Curriculum Advisor & Researcher
ZAYNEB SADDIQUI
Women's Health Advocacy Research Assistant
Download Report
References
-
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Health equity. Retrieved December 3, 2024, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/health-equity#tab=tab_2
-
Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43 (6),1241-1299.
-
Society for Women’s Health Research. (2021). Women’s health equity initiative. https://swhr.org/programs/womens-health-equity-initiative/
-
Temkin, S.M., Barr, E., Moore, H., Caviston, J.P., Regensteiner, J.G., & Clayton, J.A. (2023). Chronic conditions in women: The development of a National Institutes of Health framework. BMC Women’s Health, 23 (162), 1-11. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10077654/
-
Artiga, S., Gonzalez-Barrera, A., Montero, A., Hill, L., Presiado, M., Kirzinger, A., & Lopes, L. (2023, December 5). Survey on racism, discrimination and health: Experiences and impacts across racial and ethnic groups. Kaiser Family Foundation
-
Sharp, S., Hixson, A., Stumpff, J., & Williamson, F. (2022). Understanding the experiences of black women medical students and residents: A narrative review. Frontiers in Public Health 10, 1-9, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9237355/
-
Vedantam, S. (Host). (2024, June 10). Why you feel empty. [Audio podcast episode]. In Hidden Brain. NPR. https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/hidden-brain/why-you-feel-empty-PRVXOJEHMef/