What activity is part of ensuring equitable access to care in public health?

Providing referrals for healthcare services is a critical activity in ensuring equitable access to care in public health because it directly connects individuals with the healthcare resources they need. Referrals help bridge the gap between patients and providers, particularly for underserved populations who may face barriers to accessing necessary health services, such as lack of insurance, transportation issues, or unfamiliarity with available resources. By facilitating these connections, public health practitioners can help ensure that all individuals, especially those from vulnerable groups, receive timely and appropriate care.

While developing community health assessments is valuable for understanding the health needs of a population, it does not directly address access to care. Creating health promotion campaigns raises awareness and encourages healthy behaviors, but it alone cannot guarantee access. Implementing disease surveillance systems is essential for tracking public health trends and managing outbreaks, yet it primarily focuses on monitoring rather than facilitating access to care. Therefore, referrals are the most direct method for ensuring that individuals can obtain the healthcare services they require.