Explore Priority Populations
What is a Priority Population?
Priority populations are population groups of interest. They represent a diversity of communities, demographics, identities, statuses, and lived experiences that are–or ought to be–prioritized in our mission to improve the public’s health.
Priority populations
- May be disproportionately affected by health and well-being issues
- Should be included in all levels of decision-making on issues concerning health and well-being
- Can thrive together with the use of equity-driven approaches
Applying a Priority Populations Lens
Advance Equity for Priority Populations
The mission of Public Health calls on us to prioritize equity. We can use the frame of priority populations to identify groups disproportionately affected by an issue, structurally disadvantaged or excluded. A focus on the health needs of priority populations can help us decrease health disparities and improve equity.
Explore More on Community Commons
- An Introduction to Health Equity – Community Commons
- Racial Justice Journey Library – Community Commons
- Advancing Equitable Economies Policy Library – Community Commons
Center People and Their Lived Experiences
The best solutions often come from those closest to the issues. When we center people, their lived experiences, and their solutions we can achieve optimum results. Applying a priority populations lens can help anchor our work in equity and justice.
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Inform Health Promotion Efforts
Tailoring interventions to a community’s specific needs and assets can improve outcomes. The priority populations framework gives us a tool for better assessing groups of special interest as we plan and implement public health programming.
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Explore Priority Population Data
Click the dropdown menu to explore indicators and select your county to view detailed county-level data. Dive deeper into available resources on Community Commons and start exploring your county’s data below!