Hemi Tewarson’s Post

What a thought-provoking and inspiring interview with Dr. LaShawn McIver! Her insights resonated deeply with me, particularly her belief that the next big leap in health equity is “we finally work towards getting it right. That we actually work towards creating a health care system where it doesn't matter who you are, where you live…” This echoes the urgency and necessity of addressing long-standing disparities in healthcare. I also appreciate Dr. McIver reminding us that, to paraphrase the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “The arc of justice, it bends slowly." This quote underscores the gradual but inevitable progress towards justice and equity. Dr. McIver's vision aligns seamlessly with Dr. King's enduring message, reminding us that while the journey towards equitable health care may be long, our persistent efforts can and will shape a fairer, healthier future for all. AHIP LaShawn McIver, MD, MPH #HealthEquity #JusticeInHealthcare #TheNextBigThingInHealthcare #GettingItRight

One of the more salient contemporary messages from the King Center each year on this day is the challenge to not simply post meaningful quotes from Dr. King, but to let our actions strive to meet the words that inspire us. Put simply, less talk, more action. As we reflect today, I wanted to take a moment to step back and shine a light on the health equity work that’s happening across HealthMPowers, Inc. I share this not to pat ourselves on the back, but to be transparent with what we are doing, and invite ideas and accountability. Our strategic plan includes accountability metrics to make sure our staff and board represent the communities we serve, that our resources are accessible (this includes modifications for different physical abilities, language translation, closed captioning, culturally-appropriate resources, etc.) that we spend our dollars more equitably, that we disaggregate data where possible, and that we place emphasis on policy, systems and environmental changes. Our hiring and recruitment policies continue to be refined, our professional development offerings for staff include different ways to grow in alignment with diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) skills, and our ever-growing emphasis on youth voice means we continue our work to center the voices of those at the heart of our work. Most recently, our entire team co-created a first-of-its-kind DEIA program rubric. We cannot achieve our vision of all children nourished and active without an intentional focus on the marginalized children who disproportionately lack access to healthy foods and safe places to play and be active. My commitment as CEO is to ensure this work continues on in perpetuity as we learn, grow and evolve.

🌍 Top 10 Inspiring Public Health Quotes 🌍 In the field of public health, the power of words can spark change, motivate action, and remind us of the impact we can make on global health and well-being. Here are my top 10 quotes, who said them, and why they matter: "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane." — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 💡 Highlights the deep connection between health equity and social justice. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." — Benjamin Franklin 💡 Stresses the value of preventive measures in safeguarding public health. "Health is a human right, not a privilege to be purchased." — Shirley Chisholm 💡 A reminder of the universal right to health and the need for access to care for all. "The greatest medicine of all is teaching people how not to need it." — Hippocrates 💡 Emphasizes health education as a key to reducing illness and promoting well-being. "Public health is what we, as a society, do collectively to assure the conditions for people to be healthy." — Institute of Medicine 💡 Captures the essence of community action in improving health outcomes. "It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver." — Mahatma Gandhi 💡 A timeless message on the value of health over material wealth. "The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life." — Jane Addams 💡 Speaks to the importance of shared health and collective well-being in society. "Vaccines are the tugboats of preventive health." — William Foege 💡 Underscores the monumental role vaccines play in preventing disease and saving lives. "The health of the people is really the foundation upon which all their happiness and all their powers as a state depend." — Benjamin Disraeli 💡 Highlights the critical role of public health in the strength and prosperity of nations. "We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community." — César Chávez 💡 A call to ensure that public health progress benefits everyone, especially underserved communities. These quotes not only inspire, but remind us of the collective work needed to ensure a healthier, more equitable world. 🌱 #PublicHealth #HealthEquity #Prevention #GlobalHealth #Inspiration Stephen Olaide Aremu, PhP

In the wake of AXIOS US healthcare - health inequity update, reposting the following “Juneteenth: A U.S. Healthcare Perspective.” Some of us are not surprised that US health inequity is unchanged over the past two years: [Juneteenth: A U.S. Healthcare Perspective] Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a significant day in American history marking the official freedom for all individuals, including the formerly enslaved, on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth, as a national holiday, symbolizes unity, freedom, and the right to self-determining without socioeconomic factor barriers. Namely, as described by the Social Determinants of Health, e.g., maternal health inequity. From a healthcare viewpoint, Juneteenth serves as a stark reminder of the persistent injustices and inequities of health and healthcare. The ongoing resistance to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the U.S. healthcare industry poses a barrier to progress and effective innovation in our society and healthcare. Reflecting on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's words, "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhuman," we acknowledge the alarming disparities in health outcomes and access to care that persist in our nation, reminiscent of crises seen in so-called Third World Countries. As we recognize that "Health is the new wealth in America," it is crucial to address the systemic inequities that continue to disproportionately affect Black Americans despite their enduring contributions to the nation's prosperity. Achieving true social inclusion and equity requires a collective commitment to aligning the hearts and minds of All Americans that guide our nation. Together not only do we achieve more we also become healthier, ever stronger, and more resilient as a nation. Happy Juneteenth 2024 #JuneteenthAHealthcarePerspective

So poignant and powerful...

This February, we reflect on the journey toward health equity and recognize the importance of addressing historical and contemporary disparities. Achieving health equity goes beyond medical care; it's about overcoming obstacles in access, social structures, and more.   To bridge the gaps in health outcomes, the following are critical:   Equity in Policy: Policies must prioritize equity, ensuring they are created and implemented to close health disparities.   Community Involvement: People with lived experiences are essential in co-designing interventions. Their insights shape initiatives that resonate with the communities they represent.   Collaborative Partnerships: Building bridges between community-based organizations and health systems fosters a comprehensive approach to health, acknowledging the interconnectedness of various factors.   Trusted Care Sources: Community Health Workers (CHWs) are invaluable allies in providing upstream and downstream care. Their trusted presence ensures that health resources are accessible and culturally competent. Explore our recently released Key Trends in Health: https://lnkd.in/eJU7C6nX #HealthEquity #CulturallyCompetentCare

Funding opportunity

Evolving from Restorative Justice, Restorative Practice "is a social science that studies how to improve and repair relationships between people and communities" Restorative practice is the common thread that ties together theory, research, and supports practice in wide ranging fields where people are and should be at the heart e.g. #socialwork, #socialcare, #health, #education, #organisationalmanagement, #leadership, #counselling, #criminaljustice. Practice underpins and supports building and developing healthy communities, and healthy work places. Where people feel they belong, they can contribute, they are listened to, they are heard and they are valued. Understanding People (UP) Project is committed to doing restorative practice transformatively. I am excited to be part of this movement. Book your place here👇 https://lnkd.in/e9v6kWr3

On this day, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) commemorates and honors the legacy of Michael Brown, Jr. who was taken from us way too soon. We also stand in solidarity with Michael’s family and friends, striving for a safer and more just and equitable society. Ten years later, it is important that we all revisit the call to action outlined in the Ferguson Commission report, “Forward Through Ferguson: A Path Toward Racial Equity.” (https://lnkd.in/gqAFRMqQ) Championed by Bethany Johnson-Javois, former IHN CEO and Managing Director of the commission, one of the signature priorities named in the report is assuring access to affordable health care. IHN was born out of the necessity to ensure access to quality and affordable healthcare for historically excluded communities. As a trusted partner, we hold ourselves and those with whom we partner accountable to advancing health equity. We center ourselves in the fundamental truth that health equity cannot be realized without racial equity. Racial equity is achieved when all communities reach their full potential through the elimination of policies, systems, and cultural messages that reinforce differential outcomes by race. Recognizing that practices of the past and present have shaped current gaps in health outcomes, the path forward for St. Louis requires us to mobilize and leverage the power of our community, partners, and systems to collectively disrupt these patterns. In honor of Michael Brown, Jr., IHN will continue to challenge systems and change structures that impede access and opportunities to wellbeing. We offer peace and comfort to Michael Brown, Jr.’s family and friends, and to broader to St. Louis community who was touched by his spirit. Blessings, Andwele Jolly #TenYearCommemoration #AllRoadsLeadToFerguson #MB2MW #ChosenforChange #Community #Equity #HealthEquitySTL #IHNCommunity #MichaelBrown Forward Through Ferguson Deaconess Foundation Affinia Healthcare CareSTL Health Family Care Health Centers People's Health Centers Inc SSM Health BJC HealthCare Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis St. Louis University School of Medicine Generate Health STL Missouri Foundation for Health Operation Food Search

As we commemorate Juneteenth, I am grateful to the American Hospital Association and the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity for the opportunity to share how this day holds profound significance in our shared quest for health equity. It reminds us of the enduring legacy of systemic inequities and the ongoing calling to dismantle them, wherever they exist. It is a call to action to build upon the successes of early leaders within the movement to advance health equity, and an opportunity to honor their sacrifice. I am fueled by a deeply rooted belief that health equity is not just an aspiration but an achievable reality. We stand at a critical juncture where courageous leadership is demanded. It is imperative that we stand firm in our commitment to drive change, thus propelling us towards outcomes we have never reached for every population group. As we think about the significance of #Juneteenth today in health care and public health, it is worth noting: Health equity IS within our reach. We are on the brink of achieving what was once deemed unattainable. With courage and steadfastness, we can move the needle and make substantial strides toward a more equitable health landscape. Please read more from the AHA's IFDHE link below. Joy Lewis #healthequity #healthcare #publichealth