Health equity is a term that underscores the fair and just opportunity for all individuals to achieve their highest level of health. The American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Institute for Diversity and Health Equity defines health equity as “The fair and just opportunity for all individuals to achieve their highest level of health.” While the definition feels aspirational, there’s no doubt that together we can eliminate preventable health disparities, address long-standing injustices that have led to present inequities, and overcome economic, social, and other obstacles to health.
The AHA developed the Health Equity Roadmap to guide hospitals and health systems as they chart their paths toward achieving health equity and becoming more inclusive organizations. The roadmap serves as a practical guide, outlining steps and strategies for healthcare organizations to follow in their journey toward health equity.
communities is recognizing health care organizations that are accelerating health equity while on their journey. These organizations not only implement effective strategies but also serve as models of excellence in the healthcare community.
Three organizations are recipients of the 2024 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award. These hospitals and health systems exemplify the work and dedication needed to eliminate preventable health disparities and other inequities and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Main Line Health, based in Radnor, Pennsylvania, is committed to creating and implementing strategies that promote equity within its community. This health system conducts thorough interviews to determine patients’ preferred titles/names, languages spoken, and other demographic data, along with discussing dietary requirements and access to patient advocates. Main Line Health provides diversity, equity, and inclusion training for all employees, establishes employee resource groups, and creates listening circles to foster a culture focused on delivering equitable care and fostering a diverse workplace. The health system also collaborates with community partners to address social drivers of health, ensuring that the broader community benefits from its initiatives.
Augusta Health in Fishersville, Virginia, leads culturally sensitive initiatives such as its Mobile Medical Clinic and Culturally Competent Education program. The mobile clinic uses geospatial analysis to identify areas of high need and provide tailored primary care services. Its education program supports LGBTQIA+ patients by collaborating with community organizations and providing training for clinical and nonclinical teams, resulting in improved communication and care for patients. Augusta Health has also established programs to address local health disparities, including convening a housing summit in 2023 to discuss sustainable housing solutions. Other programs focus on improving infant and maternal health outcomes, ensuring comprehensive care for all community members.
AnMed in Anderson, South Carolina, has worked to improve language services and communications for patients with limited English proficiency. Offering in-person and digital-interpretation options in multiple languages, these efforts have increased precision and uniformity in delivering language services and increased satisfaction among diverse patient groups. Beyond language assistance, the rural health system has established mandatory diversity training for all team members and internal support groups for specific populations. AnMed actively fosters an environment that embraces inclusivity to mirror the local community and collaborates with local nonprofit organizations to improve community health and well-being.
The AHA offers a comprehensive, online library of resources for building more inclusive and equitable communities, regardless of a hospital’s size. The Institute for Diversity and Health Equity leads several programs focused on equity transformation. These resources and programs are designed to support hospitals and health systems at every stage of their journey toward health equity.
Every patient deserves to get the health care services they need, along with large doses of empathy, understanding, and compassion from care providers. A collaborative approach that emphasizes redesigning care, educating teams, sharing knowledge, and taking action in our communities is key to advancing health equity. It must be a priority for all of us.
Visit AHA.org to learn more about these and other hospitals and health systems that are models for providing equitable care.
Applications for the 2025 Equity of Care Award open on July 22.
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