SPEAKER

Professor Naomi Priest, Centre for Social Research and Methods, Australian National University

Topic

Racism is a key driver of ill-health and health inequalities. Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to racism’s harms. A recent report published by VicHealth focuses on data collected in Australia over the last five years and underscores the high prevalence of racial discrimination experienced by children and young people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, and from some ethnic minoritised groups. This report highlights six key processes and approaches to addressing racism as a social determinant of health and mitigating the harm it has on the lives of children and young people. These include naming racism at a systemic and institutional level; working with community groups, children and young people; and increased evaluation and monitoring of actions and interventions.

The report is available for download from VicHealth  

About the speaker

Professor Naomi Priest is a life course and social epidemiologist. Naomi is Group Leader of Social-Biological Research at the Centre for Social Research and Methods, Australian National University and an Honorary Fellow in the Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital.

Her research program focuses on examining how social forces and social exposures become biologically embedded and embodied, and understanding and addressing inequalities in health and development, throughout the life course. Much of this work explores social determinants of health and health inequalities in mental health and cardiovascular disease for children and adolescents.

She is particularly interested in understanding and addressing racism as a fundamental cause of health and health inequalities.

Eligibility

VTMH seminars are open to individuals, from all disciplines and working in all sectors, who are based in Australia and interested in diversity and mental health.