Macon, Ga.-based Navicent Health received the 2018 American Hospital Association Equity of Care Award, which honors hospitals and health systems for reducing healthcare disparities and advancing inclusion.
In fiscal year 2014-15, Navicent Health began documenting race, ethnicity and language preference data from patients admitted with certain conditions. Based on the results, Navicent established programs to address social determinants of health and improve access to clinics for diabetes, heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Navicent's work resolved readmission disparities among African-Americans with the three chronic illnesses, as well as women with diabetes. Navicent is also improving its overall readmission disparity among African-American patients.
AHA likewise recognized Navicent's goal to improve board diversity. Navicent increased diversity on its board to 41.6 percent in 2018.
Four other health systems — Chicago-based Rush University Medical Center; Atrium Health in Charlotte, N.C.; Rapid City, S.D.-based Regional Health; and Cone Health in Greensboro, N.C. — are Equity of Care Award honorees.
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