From board education on health equity to ensuring the development and strengthening of community partnerships, the American Hospital Association released some tips and tricks to help hospital and health system board members prioritize health equity.
For hospitals and health system boards that do not have separate diversity, equity and inclusion committees, 39% of all systems said the issues reside in another committee; 41% said they discuss diversity and equity at a full board level, not in a committee; 7% said they do not discuss diversity and equity issues; and 14% said not applicable.
Here are three AHA suggestions on improving health equity:
1. It's important for a board to hold itself and executive leadership accountable. To diversify their composition, board diversity can help bring unheard voices to the table.
2. In times of ongoing change, organizations must rely on resiliency to ensure populations they serve are receiving continued and equitable care. AHA suggested boards connect with their communities and listen to what they have to say. Board members should also ensure health equity is embedded in their organization's operations for sustainable and equitable outcomes.
3. One study found health disparities add to a $42 billion annual economic loss in untapped productivity. As hospitals continue to feel the constraints of rising costs, AHA said hospitals located in areas of great inequity are often unable to afford the tools and teams needed to properly care for patients. Boards need to recognize that health equity is a long-term investment and ensure that their hospital or health system not only plans for current community needs, but also for the future.