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On-Demand

The Policy Roots of Health Inequities: Understanding Social Determinants of Health

MarkAlain Déry, DO, MPH, FACOI
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Information

Recorded

  • -

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Identify and evaluate at least two key policies that have shaped social determinants of health and contributed to systemic health inequities.

  • Explain how social, economic, and political systems influence health outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities.

  • Discuss at least two actionable solutions to address policy-driven health disparities and promote equity in public health systems.

Educational Goal

This workshop aims to provide attendees with a thorough understanding of how both historical and contemporary policies have influenced the social determinants of health (SDOH), leading to systemic inequalities in health outcomes. Participants will learn to assess the role of policies across various sectors critically, recognize their effects on marginalized communities, and explore actionable strategies for reform to promote health equity.

Description

This workshop will explore how social and economic policies have influenced the conditions in which people live, work, and age—conditions that directly affect health outcomes. By examining historical and contemporary policies, the session will highlight how systemic inequities in housing, education, and employment have contributed to health disparities. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how policy decisions shape the social determinants of health, perpetuate inequities, and explore opportunities for reform that promote health equity.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Dietitian
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Nurses
  • Physicians
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

MarkAlain Déry, DO, MPH, FACOI
Dr. MarkAlain Déry is a board-certified infectious disease physician, internist, and public health expert. He served as a clinical field epidemiologist for the World Health Organization during the 2014–2015 Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone. More recently, he took on the role of medical director for operations in Ukraine during the initial months following the Russian invasion, providing trauma training and psychological support to healthcare workers affected by the conflict. Recognized for his expertise, he has been featured in Time Magazine, Vice, and National Memo. Dr. Déry is also a human rights advocate, founding 102.3FM WHIV-LP, a community radio station dedicated to human rights and social justice issues. He is also the founder and host of NoiseFilter, a podcast and animation series on public health topics. His impactful work has earned him accolades, such as Internist of the Year (2020), and he has been named one of New Orleans's most influential 500 people by BIZ NOLA from 2021-2025.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Humana Healthy Horizons in Louisiana
  • Louisiana Healthcare Connections
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan - Louisiana