Research Center for Advancing Maternal Health Equity (The Center) to tackle the poor health outcomes and longstanding racial disparities that make the U.S. among the most dangerous developed nation for childbirth. The Center aims to study the causes of health inequities and provide solutions to the issues that impact moms and babies during the pregnancy journey. With a vision of a world where everyone has an equitable opportunity for a healthy beginning, a healthy life, and healthy children, The Center will focus solely on research aimed at closing the health equity gap in maternal and infant health outcomes through scientific research and technology development. It will partner and collaborate with experts from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions. determinants of health: individual biology/ genetics, healthcare quality and accessibility, environment in which the person lives, and individual behavior. Behavior accounted for 40% to 50% of the variations observed. 30 years later, we have made progress in understanding biology/genetics and made improvements in the quality and accessibility of healthcare. Not enough has been done to influence individual behavior. More work is needed to deal with mental health and addiction, as well as individual responsibility. “There is no question that Black people have an increased risk of stroke and heart disease. Racism certainly plays a role and discrimination increases stress and depression, especially around health-related issues,” says Reginald Washington, M.D., former chief medical Accelerating equitable healthcare for all In 1993 the CDC described four major officer, Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center and Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. “Individuals, however, have a very important role and responsibility in improving their own heart health by making lifestyle changes including
eating more fruits and vegetables, reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, not smoking, and losing excess body weight. We should seek medical attention when needed and be compliant with our medications. Prevention is extremely important in controlling our own heart health.” HealthONE is committed to providing equitable access to high-quality care for its patients, as well as fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace for its colleagues. As part of HCA Healthcare’s continued commitment to providing equitable access to care, in 2021, the organization formed the HCA Healthcare Health Equity Council to analyze data related to patient outcomes, explore opportunities to address disparities and pursue partnerships with outside organizations. The findings from HCA Healthcare’s annual equitable outcomes analysis have been used to shape the focus of initiatives undertaken by the council, including partnerships with community organizations and industry partners to address specific opportunities related to cardiovascular health, cancer screenings and navigation services, and maternal health for communities of color.
HealthONE is proud to be a part of HCA Healthcare as we continue to accelerate equitable access to healthcare.
13 The Acumen
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