What is one of the primary objectives of Healthy People 2020?

One of the primary objectives of Healthy People 2020 is to decrease health disparities in the U.S. This goal is rooted in the recognition that health outcomes vary significantly among different populations due to a variety of factors, including socioeconomic status, race, geographic location, and access to health care. Healthy People 2020 emphasizes the importance of achieving health equity, which means that everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Reducing health disparities is vital for improving the overall health of the nation and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support and resources needed to achieve optimal health outcomes.

While increasing the number of health care providers and expanding health insurance coverage are important aspects of improving health care access, they are not the primary focus of Healthy People 2020. Similarly, promoting wellness programs can contribute to better health outcomes, but it does not specifically address the systemic issues that lead to health disparities. Therefore, the objective to decrease health disparities stands out as a central goal within the framework of Healthy People 2020.