Racial equity in healthcare: turning Martin Luther King Jr's dream of racial equality into a 21st century reality

Abstract

Racial equity should be a universal goal in health. Unfortunately, people may not have the same opportunity for good health, but they should have equal rights to good healthcare. Overcoming inequities and improving a sense of diversity, community and belonging for all cultural groups remains an ongoing priority for the health system. This article discusses the different forms of racial inequity that may exist within any given health system, offers examples that may signal its presence within healthcare institutions and highlights interventions that aim to reduce racial inequity at both a systems level and for individual healthcare workers.