Policy Points Upstream factors-social structures/systems, cultural factors, and public policy-are primary forces that drive downstream patterns and inequities in health that are observed across race and locations. A public policy agenda that aims to address inequities related to the well-being of children, creation and perpetuation of residential segregation, and racial segregation can address upstream factors. Past successes and failures provide a blueprint for addressing upstream health issues and inhibit health equity.
Keywords: health equity; policy; population health; race; racism.
© 2023 The Authors. The Milbank Quarterly published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Milbank Memorial Fund.