Ripples of Hope in the Mississippi Delta: Charting the Health Equity Policy Agenda

by David K. Jones, Debra Bingham (Editor), Nicole Huberfeld (Editor), Sarah H. Gordon (Editor)

Overview

The Mississippi Delta consistently ranks as having some of the worst health outcomes in the United States. Even with this stark reality, researcher David K. Jones (1981–2021) found “ripples of hope.” For four years, Jones turned to residents and local leaders to learn firsthand the intricate connections between race, place, and health in the region. Using an innovative mix of photovoice, policy, and social science research, Jones weaves their insights with data analysis to show how local, state, and national policies and structures, whether or not intentional, constrain or expand daily choices that affect health.

Blaming individuals for poor health choices isn’t the remedy. Jones describes how a community-led, goal-oriented approach to creating health equity policies is needed and that everyone benefits when we ensure that all people can pursue a healthy, fulfilling life. In this compassionate and practical book, Jones provides a roadmap for anyone who would like to make a difference, wherever they live. Jones calls on his readers to act for change and provides examples from the Delta to show how. He reminds us that small steps—"ripples of hope”—can save lives and improve health.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781469681108
Publisher:	The University of North Carolina Press
Publication date:	11/11/2024
Series:	Studies in Social Medicine
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	334
File size:	12 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

David K. Jones was an associate professor of health law, policy, and management at Boston University School of Public Health and the author of Exchange Politics: Opposing Obamacare in Battleground States. Debra Bingham is the founder and CEO of the Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement, LLC. Sarah H. Gordon is assistant professor of health law, policy, and management at the Boston University School of Public Health. Nicole Huberfeld is Edward R. Utley Professor of Health Law at Boston University School of Law and Boston University School of Public Health..

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Jones’s book fills a glaring gap in health services research on place-based inequities. By drawing upon and synthesizing methodologies from a myriad of disciplines, Jones makes clear how equitable access to healthcare is insufficient for addressing population health inequities.”—Arrianna Marie Planey, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

“With deep empathy, nuance, and specificity, Ripples of Hope depicts whole communities coming together to redress inequities in one of the country’s most distinctive regions. It’s a story profoundly rooted in one place, with the voices of local activists and providers shining through—this book brings the Delta to mind and depicts it with justice. But Jones’s gift and the legacy of this work is to show how a place-based approach to health equity can build on every community’s strengths by addressing housing, jobs, food, and health care systems. It’s an approach that places around the country are adopting, and this book has powerful lessons for everyone interested in bringing about change in a way that is both comprehensive and locally grounded.”—David M. Greenberg, Vice President, Community Research and Impact at Local Initiatives Support Corporation

Editorial Reviews

“Jones’s book fills a glaring gap in health services research on place-based inequities. By drawing upon and synthesizing methodologies from a myriad of disciplines, Jones makes clear how equitable access to healthcare is insufficient for addressing population health inequities.”—Arrianna Marie Planey, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

“With deep empathy, nuance, and specificity, Ripples of Hope depicts whole communities coming together to redress inequities in one of the country’s most distinctive regions. It’s a story profoundly rooted in one place, with the voices of local activists and providers shining through—this book brings the Delta to mind and depicts it with justice. But Jones’s gift and the legacy of this work is to show how a place-based approach to health equity can build on every community’s strengths by addressing housing, jobs, food, and health care systems. It’s an approach that places around the country are adopting, and this book has powerful lessons for everyone interested in bringing about change in a way that is both comprehensive and locally grounded.”—David M. Greenberg, Vice President, Community Research and Impact at Local Initiatives Support Corporation

From the Publisher