*PLEASE BRING THIS INVITE WITH YOU
UCL International Institute for Society and Health
2008 PUBLIC SEMINAR SERIES
You are invited to attend on:
10 June 2008, Tuesday 5pm - 6pm
London, New York and Glasgow
What works at a City level to tackle Social Determinants of Health?
Speaker: Professor Sue Atkinson
Chair: Professor Sir Michael Marmot
Abstract:
Addressing SDH at a city level is a critical part of improving health and
reducing inequalities. Common themes are shared between London, New
York and Glasgow in trying to address the SDH. It is crucial to have high
profile leadership to break through barriers (e.g. from a deeply committed
and respected Mayor). They can use their own powers and influence to
negotiate `healthier´ strategies and give a real political edge and
visibility, by
utilising tools such as Health Impact Assessments to highlight the trade off
of costs and benefits.
There is a question as to whether health inequalities are a natural state
within an urbanised market economy, leaving the public sector to mollify and
manage strong countervailing forces. At an urban level, the biggest policy
drivers seem to be economic growth, with education and housing also
important.
It is crucial to recognise the power of the individual to change his/her
environment. More needs to be done to empower individuals and
communities materially, psychosocially and politically. A lot can be learned
from innovative public sector schemes (such as New York´s Conditional
Cash Transfer Scheme) where power has been transferred from the
government to the individual.
This seminar will explore what has been done in three cities; London, New
York and Glasgow and willdraw out the similarities and differences, barriers,
levers and enablers to improving health and reducing inequalities by
addressing social determinants.
The work contributes to the Commission on Social Determinants of Health
established by WHO.
Professor Sue Atkinson is a Visiting Professor at University College London.
She led the work between the three cities. She now works as an
independent Public Health Consultant and is on various Boards as a Non-
Executive, including University College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
She was the London Regional Director of Public Health, until 2006 and
developed the role as Health Advisor to the Mayor. She was instrumental in
setting up the London Health Commission and in developing Health Impact
Assessment as a tool to influence London wide strategies such as those on
transport and economic development, demonstrating their importance to the
health of Londoners.
This seminar will be held at UCL, it is free, but space is limited (75 SEATS).
NO NEED TO RSVP . Arrive promptly to secure a seat. Please contact us if
you have any special needs. The seminar will be held at UCL in the
Basement Lecture Theatre, UCL, 1 - 19 Torrington Place, London WC1E
7HB, Entrance opposite Planet Organic. Nearest Underground station
Goodge St. Email: [log in to unmask] Refreshments at 6pm after the seminar.
You may access audio recording of our some past seminars at:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/iish/seminars.htm
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