HealthTeamWorks’ Diversity, Health Equity, and Inclusion Series is a customizable collection of training, support, and education. Three primary aspects of those services highlighted below ensure all patients, providers, and staff are valued, respected, and able to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.
Health does not start within the 4 walls of a clinic or hospital. It starts where we live, work, play, and age.
This is typically what we think of when we talk about social determinants of health – the impact on our health of social conditions ranging from economic stability and education to built environments and community connection. And while these conditions outside of healthcare make the biggest impact on health outcomes and inequities, healthcare – and particularly primary care – has a unique opportunity to support individuals in addressing those conditions that are having a negative influence on their health and wellbeing.
Through this series, HealthTeamWorks supports and collaborates with healthcare organizations and those that work within them to address social determinants of health and the health-related social needs of the people they serve.
Health equity is often defined as everyone having a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, as unfair and avoidable disparities in health and the distribution of health resources exist across populations. Social determinants of health, biases, and discrimination all contribute to the inequities we see in our communities.
Healthcare has a significant role in advancing health equity, addressing bias at the point of care, and assessing for the social influencers of health that impact wellbeing.
So, how can you or your organization reduce disparities and inequities in health and healthcare? What steps can you take to impact those determinants that adversely affect marginalized populations?
HealthTeamWorks offers customized training and support that instills an understanding of this responsibility and fosters healthcare environments that both demand equity and ensure all individuals and communities can achieve wellness.
To truly work towards diversity, health equity, and inclusion, we must create healthcare environments where those who work and heal are valued, respected, and able to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. This often necessitates a journey of unlearning and reflection on bias, power, and privilege. It necessitates focusing on social justice action that is aligned with the self-stated needs of marginalized groups – the very definition of allyship.
HealthTeamWorks guides practices and organizations in reviewing patient experience, utilization, and outcome data to increase their understanding of unmet needs and opportunities to deliver optimal care. We coach leaders on forging stronger connections with local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and deliver customized Allyship Community training for team members. Throughout, we help teams evaluate the impact of interventions and provide recommendations for improvements when indicated.
Our Allyship Development training and support is educational, reflective, and highly customizable for practices, systems of care, and organizations.
If you or your organization would like to learn more about HealthTeamWorks' trainings and support, contact us at solutions@healthteamworks.org.
Written by Katie Ebinger, MPH, MSW - Facilitator, Advancement & Healthcare Transformation, HealthTeamWorks
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