[Alma Mata] IISH Public Seminar Series June 10th

[Nina Grant]

*PLEASE BRING THIS INVITE WITH YOU

2008 IISH PUBLIC SEMINAR SERIES

You are invited to attend on:

Tuesday 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: iish at ucl.ac.uk 
Refreshments at 6pm after the seminar.
You may access audio recordings of our some past seminars at:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/iish/seminars.htm