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Health equity and health equality are often used interchangeably. They are not the same. And understanding the difference helps explain why access to healthcare looks very different from one community to the next.
While equality focuses on giving everyone the same resources, equity recognizes that people start from different circumstances and may need different levels of support to reach similar health outcomes. That distinction shapes how healthcare is delivered across the United States.
What is Health Equity?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines health equity as “the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health.”
Health equity recognizes that access challenges vary. Cost, transportation, appointment wait times, childcare responsibilities, and work schedules all influence whether someone can receive care.
Equity focuses on identifying those barriers and reducing them.
In healthcare delivery, that can mean:
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Your gift helps RAM continue providing free care to people in need.
- Offering services at no cost
- Bringing care directly into communities
- Extending hours beyond the traditional workweek
- Reducing paperwork and administrative hurdles
- Providing services in areas with limited provider availability
Equity addresses the gap between what exists and what people can realistically use.
What is Health Equality? [St. Catherine University]
Health equality means that all patients are treated the same. Patients have access to the same care, prescriptions, follow up care, and any other medical necessities.
An example of health inequality is when patients do not receive care because of discrimination. Differences in the treatment of patients are another example of health inequality.
Other factors that may lead to increased health inequality:
- “Educational inequality, which can lead to increased health risk behaviors such as smoking, drinking, or not seeking mental health services.”
- “Inadequate access to healthcare, which is particularly prevalent in rural areas and spaces lacking public transportation.”
- “Environmental hazards, such as pollution, violence, or unsafe buildings or neighborhood infrastructure.”
- “Poverty, which can contribute to delays in seeking preventive care and a higher risk of poor nutrition as healthy food may be expensive.”
Health Equity in Action
Since 1985, Remote Area Medical has focused on reducing practical barriers to care.
In 2025 alone, RAM:
- Provided $16,603,457 worth of free dental, vision, and medical services
- Served 32,770 individuals
- Operated clinics in 27 states
- Mobilized 17,043 volunteers
RAM Clinics are held on weekends and located directly in communities that invite because of issues with access. This model addresses common barriers: cost, weekday scheduling conflicts, and distance to providers.
Beyond pop-up clinics, RAM’s telehealth program, which also meets patients where they are, has delivered more than $1.45 million in free care since its launch, expanding access for individuals who cannot easily travel or take time off work.
RAM, Providing Free Health Care to Those in Need
If you or someone you know needs access to our services, please visit our website to see our schedule.
All RAM Clinics are powered by volunteers. If you are a healthcare professional or interested in serving as a general support volunteer, please sign up today to volunteer at a RAM Clinic near you.
If you would like to support access to care through a financial contribution, we encourage you to donate to RAM and support our mission. As a nonprofit organization, our work is made possible by individuals and partners who choose to support the mission.
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