Bridging Gaps: Provider Perspectives on Integrating Systems for Health Equity

Brittany R. Schuler (), Stacey L. Shipe, Astrid Uhl, Samantha Smith, LaShanta Majeed, Nicole O’Reilly, Cheri Carter and Bradley N. Collins
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Brittany R. Schuler: School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Ritter Annex 549, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
Stacey L. Shipe: Social Work, Binghamton University, State University of New York, University Downtown Center, 67 Washington St., Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
Astrid Uhl: School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Ritter Annex 549, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
Samantha Smith: Bethesda Project, KIPP Dubois Collegiate Academy High School, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA
LaShanta Majeed: Turning Points for Children, 415 S 15th St., Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA
Nicole O’Reilly: Social Work, McDaniel College, Westminster, MD 21157, USA
Cheri Carter: School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Ritter Annex 549, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
Bradley N. Collins: Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 4, 1-20

Abstract: Health equity is shaped by multiple factors intersecting with service delivery in community-based organizations (CBOs). Providers in under-resourced areas are often the first point of contact for families seeking child development, mental health, and behavioral support. However, system-level barriers hinder service delivery and access. This study explores provider perspectives to identify barriers and inform system-level changes that promote equity in child and family health. Using a narrative qualitative design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 health and mental health professionals from child- and family-serving CBOs. Guided by ecological and strengths-based frameworks, interviews examined provider insights on challenges, strengths, and supports affecting service delivery. Key themes emerged across macro (rights-based policies, racism/oppression), community (environmental impacts, social cohesion), organizational (secondary stress, system fragmentation, provider supports), and family levels (basic needs, parenting support, service access). Findings highlight the need for a multilevel approach that prioritizes rights-based policies, strengthens community cohesion, and improves system integration. Enhancing CBO capacity to address these determinants could advance equity-oriented service delivery and mitigate structural barriers that perpetuate health disparities.

Keywords: social work; health and mental health professionals; community organizations; low socioeconomic status; qualitative; children and families; qualitative (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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