Claire Hodges

Claire’s project at Rhode Island Public Health Institute worked to help improve health equity by ensuring that more community members are aware of the services offered by RIPHI’s affiliate organizations, including free primary and sexual health screenings, holistic, faith-based health programs, and mobile markets offering discounts on the purchase of fresh produce for low-income individuals. Beyond increasing awareness of the services available to community members, social media graphics were created containing critical information designed to improve health literacy for underserved populations. Integrating health education and social media communications is an important tool in improving health equity for several reasons: It is accessible; It is easy to understand and digestible; And it is shareable. Finally, by drawing attention to health disparities affecting the state of Rhode Island, the communications will educate and may encourage community stakeholders and policy leaders to address health inequities in the state.