Care in our country is stratified. Nowhere is this perhaps more apparent than in the U.S. healthcare system, where historically marginalized communities have carried the brunt of healthcare inequity. The proof is in the numbers. Black Americans have the highest mortality rate for all cancers combined compared with any other racial and ethnic group. Asian Americans are 40% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic white Americans. Americans in low-income communities die an average of up to 15 years earlier than high-income individuals.
Achieving health equity is an arduous but crucial mission that requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders, most critically hospitals. Many hospitals are paving the path and establishing leadership in health equity. From addressing linguistic barriers and housing insecurity to making care more affordable and accessible, hospitals across the country have begun igniting impactful change.
In order to encourage widespread change, however, it’s important to implement public communication plans around these initiatives. Striking the right balance in fostering accessible communications to historically marginalized communities has the power to drive meaningful action – and save lives – throughout our communities.
Read more from Sharon Golubchik in her piece, “Hospitals Igniting Action: The Importance Of Public Communications Around Health Equity,” published in Healthcare Business Today.