Hospital leaders share equity and diversity strategies at AHA-Joint Commission forum

More than 50 health care leaders discussed strategies to improve health equity and eliminate health care disparities at an AHA-Joint Commission summit today in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Institute for Diversity in Health Management President and CEO Tomás León co-facilitated the summit, which featured panelists from Ascension Health, Henry Ford Health System, Kaiser Permanente, Navicent Health and other organizations. “Pinpointing why disparities in care exist and eliminating them must be a priority in every health care setting,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “To create healthy communities, we must embrace the diversity of the individuals we serve, as well as break down the hospital’s traditional four walls to provide care in a more convenient way where patients live and work. We are pleased to partner with The Joint Commission to improve equity of care for everyone and promote greater diversity across the health care field.” More than 1,200 organizations have pledged to eliminate health care disparities through the AHA’s #123forEquity Pledge to Act Campaign. For more on the campaign and resources on health equity, visit www.equityofcare.org.