Health inequities are differences or disparities in health that are systematic, avoidable, and unjust (Whitehead, 1991). They are the result of uneven or unfair distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges including poverty, racism, discrimination, and other factors (Carter-Pokras & Baquet, 2002). Poverty, income inequality, and racial segregation are risk factors for poor health outcomes (Polednak, 1996) and are examples of inequities that often lead to disparities. The U.S. has a legacy of racial segregation that has led to the many challenges that public health and social science practitioners attempt to address today. Racial and ethnic discrimination are associated with negative effects on self-rated health (D’Anna, Ponce & Siegel, 2010; Krieger & Sidney, 1996). Literature highlights national recommendations for the elimination of health disparities which have included the transformation of public health agencies with focal areas including workforce development (Hofrichter and Bhatia, 2010). As a precursor to workforce development, academic and practice preparation programs can also serve as a fruitful environment conducive to support lasting and resounding change. This presentation will discuss ways in which emerging practitioners can be trained using experiential learning to address social inequities. Learning Objectives Participants will be able to: 1. Design a training program that addresses social determinants of health and social justice. 2. Identify ways to create a safe environment where practitioners can discuss concerns about and ideas for addressing institutional racism and its impacts. 3. Create learning activities that foster a deep understanding of social determinants of health. References Carter-Pokras, O. & Baquet, C. (2002). What is a health disparity? Public Health Reports, 117, 426-434. D’Anna, L.H., Ponce, N.A., & Siegel, J.M. (2010). Racial and ethnic health disparities: Evidence of discrimination’s effects across the SEP spectrum. Journal of Ethnicity and Health, 15(2), 121-143. Hofrichter, R., & Bhatia, R. (eds.). (2010). Tackling Health Inequities through Public Health Practice. Oxford, NY: University Press. Krieger, N. & Sidney, S. (1996). Racial discrimination and blood pressure: The CARDIA study of young Black and White adults. American Journal of Public Health, 86, 1370-1378. Polednak, A.P. (1996). Segregation, discrimination and mortality in US blacks. Journal of Ethnicity and Disease, 6(1-2), 99-108. Whitehead, M. (1991). The concepts and principles of equity and health. Copenhagen: WHO/EURO; 1991.