Rehab America’s Post

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.

How does a commitment to DEI improve health care? In this episode of Quality Time with Dr. Shlomit Schaal, MD, PhD, MHCM, Arianne D., chief DEI officer at Houston Methodist, explains the impact on health equity, cultural competency and more:

Check out our impact report.

Grounded in Values, Driven by Purpose At the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF), our journey is shaped by the strong pillars of Integrity, Innovation, Progress, Excellence, Respect, and Passion. These values are not just words on paper; they are the essence of who we are and the driving force behind our impactful work. #INTEGRITY At the core of our ethos lies unwavering integrity. We stand by the highest ethical standards, nurturing trust and transparency in all our endeavors. Our commitment to integrity is the bedrock upon which we build lasting relationships within our organization and the communities we serve. #INNOVATION Infused with a spirit of innovation, we are perpetual seekers of novel solutions to address healthcare challenges. By pushing boundaries and venturing into unexplored realms, we carve paths for transformative progress in the realm of health and well-being. #PROGRESS As agents of progress, our dedication lies in advancing healthcare and fostering positive societal impact. We relentlessly strive for improvement, setting our sights on better outcomes and a healthier future for all. #EXCELLENCE Excellence isn't merely a goal; it's our standard. We set lofty benchmarks for ourselves in research, service, and community engagement. Our pursuit of excellence propels us to deliver quality, impactful results in every endeavor. #RESPECT Respect forms the cornerstone of our interactions—with colleagues, collaborators, and the diverse communities we engage with. We deeply value the unique perspectives each individual brings, cultivating an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and respected. #PASSION Passion courses through our work. Each day is approached with enthusiasm, dedication, and a profound love for what we do. It is this passion that propels us forward, steering our mission to effect positive change in health outcomes and beyond. As we celebrate 20 years of service, these values continue to guide us, shaping our legacy and inspiring future endeavors. Here's to living our values and creating a healthier world with access for all ! #DTHFValues #HealthForAll #LegacyOfExcellence

At CHCF, we believe in a health workforce that mirrors the diversity of our state, especially for the 15 million Californians enrolled in Medi-Cal. How can California achieve this? 🔍 Improving data disaggregation to understand patient language needs better. 💡 Increasing scholarship funding and loan repayment resources for people passionate about serving underserved communities. 🏫 Advancing holistic admission processes in California’s health profession schools to foster diversity. 🤝 Strengthening partnerships between California Community Colleges and California State Universities to bolster allied health professions. As CHCF’s Kathryn E. Phillips shared at a recent Assembly Health Committee hearing: “Our health workforce is a critical infrastructure. It’s the infrastructure of care. And just like our roads or our bridges, we need regular assessment. We need infrastructure upgrades. Our workforce deserves more. Our patients need care.” We were honored to testify alongside our many partners working to build the representative workforce we all want and need: California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, California Black Health Network (CBHN), Latino Coalition for a Healthy California, Roots Community Health Center, and AltaMed Health Services, among many others. Learn more about the hearing and how California champions health workforce diversity: https://lnkd.in/gxYFRUUm

Breaking down barriers to healthcare, reimagining health systems, and supporting Coloradans who've been overlooked by the current health economy. This is how the Center for Health Progress is ensuring Black and Latinx families in Fort Morgan, and the Denver metro area, can access high-quality, patient-centered, comprehensive primary care. Learn more about how they're supporting communities and educating healthcare workers: https://lnkd.in/ghcVWkVU

The data on Health inequalities are unequivocally compelling. At UMMS we walk the talk with a laser focus on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The amazing Dr. Tiffany Wiggins leads several initiatives addressing Health Equity. #UMMSProud #HealthEquity.

Join Shiran Isaacksz, VP, University Health Network at our global webinar for World Accreditation Day! He will explore the critical role of equity and access to care by shifting the focus from traditional institutional models to "care outside the walls," which include holistic community-based approaches. This impactful discussion will center on addressing systemic disparities, increasing accessibility, and cultivating a culture of inclusivity within the health care delivery system. We encourage you to reserve your spot: https://hubs.la/Q02y9Jg_0

Episcopal Health Services, Inc. CEO Meet and Greets are moving. As we continue to build on the legacy of Gerard Walsh…..team members are engaged and our new CEO Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM is doing a phenomenal job, listening and answering pertinent questions around the strategic vision and his critical success factors. #EHS #forwardmotion #leadershipchange #listeningtour #onwardandupward

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