Groundbreaking Report Shows Success in Driving Health Equity, Health Outcomes

Health care executives and managers share important lessons to reduce health disparities in a report from the American Hospital Association (AHA), The Health Management Academy (THMA) and the Black Directors Health Equity Agenda (BDHEA ).

CHICAGO, September 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A new report captures key policies and initiatives driving meaningful change in health equity. Leaders from the American Hospital Association, Black Directors Health Equity Agenda and The Health Management Academy spoke with executives and board members from health systems across the country to demonstrate how organizations prioritize diversity, equity -health equity and inclusion and demonstrate their commitment to health equity.

Building a Governing Board Policy on Health Diversity and Equity: Lessons from the Field provides detailed interviews with health care managers and executives who make informed decisions and take community-centered approaches, demonstrating their commitment to balancing health with actionable outcomes.

Board Representation, Care Drives Health Equity Gains

“A major survey confirmed the important role of diverse boardroom voices in promoting an inclusive and equitable health care environment,” it said. Deborah Phillipsexecutive director of BDHEA. “Inclusive representation is only one part of a successful strategy. A culture of free speech ensures that all health care managers are valued for their opinions and equipped to contribute.” in open conversation.”

The leaders of the health system testify to the improved decisions of their organization, improved reputation and better agreement with the needs of the community. BDHEA, AHA and THMA partnered to showcase examples of how hospitals and health systems are changing their boards and implementing strategies aimed at advancing health equity. Health care boards can use these methods to produce balanced results:

• Prioritize the Recruitment Board Difference: Actively seek out different people than traditional networks to ensure that there are different perspectives and experiences. Inclusive boards are more responsive to community needs and public health preferences; UMass Memorial Health’s board of directors led the way almost $1 billion in spending money on small and women-owned businesses and directing 1% of its investment to areas that deal with social issues.
• Implement Data-Driven Strategies: Use the data to identify health disparities and track the success of health equity initiatives. Collecting data in a consistent way helped Michigan-based Bronson Healthcare find care gaps and design strategies, practices and programs that address health disparities.
• Foster Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations to address public health issues and improve community well-being. ChristianaCare has used the organization’s consistent focus on real community engagement to end intergenerational poverty, which leads to negative health outcomes.
• Promote Employee Development: Invest in training and development programs to build a health care workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities they serve. Cone Health addressed the talent shortage by partnering with North Carolina A&T, the largest historically black university.
• Integrate DE&I Work with Health Equity Teams: Internal collaboration between DE&I and health equity teams ensures that hospitals and health systems are able to effectively meet the needs of their patients. Corewell Health has developed a comprehensive strategy to drive organizational development against three critical system areas.

“Preventive care improves health and health outcomes,” said Phillips. “Health systems are implementing programs that emphasize early detection and prevention of disease, especially in underserved communities. Integrated care models, which combine physical, mental health and in the community, is increasing. These models aim to provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of the patient’s mental health and well-being.”

The report provides a comprehensive overview of policies and initiatives that are shaping the future of health equity in the health care system. By highlighting the experiences of leading health systems, the report provides key insights and practical recommendations for other organizations seeking to prioritize health equity. “At The Health Management Academy, we recognize that the journey toward diversity and equity in health is one that requires sustained collaboration among key health decision makers. We are pleased to partner with BDHEA and AHA demonstrate the important work of these people’s health systems, and we look forward to supporting their continued commitment,” said Renee DeSilvaCEO of The Health Management Academy.

“Building a Governing Board Policy on Diversity and Equity in Health” can be downloaded from AHA Trustee Services website.

About BDHEA
The Black Executive Health Equity Program is made up of board directors and senior leaders working to end the health inequities and inequities that threaten individual and collective success of Black families. As agents of change, its members across the healthcare landscape promote and facilitate board education for future leaders, promote improved business practices, inspire new thinking and action and support change. policies that improve health equity for Black Americans and equitable and equitable health care for all. Learn more at bdhea.org.

About the American Hospital Association
The American Hospital Association is a national organization that represents and serves all types of hospitals, health care networks, patients and their communities. About 5,000 hospitals, health care practices, networks, other care providers and 43,000 individual members come together to form the AHA.

About The Health Management Academy
Since 1998, The Health Management Academy has nurtured the first members of a community of high-impact CXOs from US healthcare institutions as well as decision makers from emerging companies in the industry.
We cultivate unique peer groups, provide key market insights, high-level leadership development programs and new membership alliances to more than 2,000 senior healthcare executives and organizations. 200 of the industry.
Our industry-leading programs and solutions help member companies drive meaningful relationships, navigate strategic change and solve critical industry challenges with disruptive solutions.

LEARN:
Jane Sharma
[email protected]
purposebrand.com

SOURCE Black Leaders’ Life Equity Agenda

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