Ninez Ponce Honored for Advocacy in Achieving Health Equity
Dr. Ninez Ponce, director of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and renowned public health advocate, was recently awarded the prestigious 2024 Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award for her significant contributions to data equity and health policy. Ponce has dedicated her career to ensuring that public health data collection prioritizes historically underrepresented communities, ultimately leading to more inclusive and effective health programs and policies.
The Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award, established in memory of a prominent psychology professor, recognizes individuals who have made substantial advances in the field of health education. Ponce was honored for her groundbreaking work in addressing racial and ethnic health disparities, particularly among Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations. Her efforts have not only informed state and federal policy but have also empowered communities to advocate for resources to address health inequities.
As a founding member of the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), Ponce has played a crucial role in democratizing data and making it accessible to the public. The CHIS, the largest state health survey in the nation, provides comprehensive data on the health and healthcare needs of California’s diverse population. The data generated by CHIS has been instrumental in influencing policy decisions on healthcare reform, food assistance programs, and more.
Ponce’s commitment to data equity has led to the creation of the UCLA Data Equity Center, which aims to ensure historically marginalized populations are accurately represented in crucial decision-making processes. Through her leadership and advocacy, Ponce continues to drive progress towards achieving health equity for all.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to public health, Dr. Ponce received the 2024 Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award, acknowledging her relentless dedication to advancing health equity through data-driven policy and advocacy efforts. Her work serves as a testament to the power of data equity in shaping a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system.
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