Building Blocks for Health Equity

The Building Blocks for Health Equity unit transforms the way we define and promote health in Alameda County. We bring together people with the ideas, connections, and skills to create conditions where all children have a fair chance at a healthy and fulfilling life – no matter where they live, how much money their families have, or their race – by addressing the root causes of health and health inequities.

Building Blocks for Health Equity is a unit within the Family Health Services division, Maternal, Paternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Unit of the Alameda County Public Health Department.

OUR VISION

With partners, we have created a bill of rights to reflect how we all must play a role in addressing the interconnected issues that impact the neighborhoods where children are growing up.

We believe that all children in Alameda County have a right to be born healthy, and to:

1. be believed in
2. live, play and grow in a clean, safe place
3. receive a quality education
4. be loved by a caring adult
5. eat healthy food
6. explore nature
7. enjoy economic opportunity and financial security
8. access health care that promotes well-being
9. be free from discrimination and violence
10. be included & valued by a supportive community

OUR VALUES

1. HOPE
   We believe that our charge – to create equitable conditions where every child can thrive – radiates hope for the future and we believe that interventions and partnerships can make a difference.
2. EQUITY
   We believe health is more than health care, rather it is a result of experiences and  opportunities, and the environment where we live, work and play.  We envision an Alameda County where all children, no matter where they live, how much money their parents make, or the color of their skin, have access to the same opportunities to lead a healthy, fulfilling and productive life.
3. INNOVATION
   We are creative thinkers who embrace and drive change.  A bold, outside-of-the box approach is needed to transform the way we define and promote health.  We are not afraid to take risks, fail, and learn to design and implement projects that influence the field of health.
4. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
   We have a strong belief in the expertise that already lives within communities and that public agencies and private partners have a role to play in providing resources, infrastructure, and connections that enable these solutions to take flight.  We engage with partners and residents, working together for new solutions based on the unique strengths of our communities.
5. WALK the TALK
   We are always challenging ourselves to learn, listen, and change to stay true to our values and our vision.