Increasingly, financial and human resources are dedicated to addressing health disparities in communities across the United States. The approach to addressing inequality is as diverse as the problem itself, and action is being taken at the federal, state, and local levels.
In addition to its efforts, the Independent Blue Cross Foundation announced Wednesday It pledged $15 million over five years to create a new program, the Institute for Health Equity. According to the foundation, the institute is a regional effort covering five counties in southeastern Pennsylvania that focuses on policies and practices that hinder communities from achieving optimal health.
The institute’s initial focus areas will include digital health, medical cultural competence and maternal health, reflecting some of the key areas of inequity in healthcare. E.g, digital split– The disparity between those who have access to modern technologies, including the Internet, and those who do not – contributes to access problems for low-income and rural populations.
In addition, issues surrounding maternal health continue to disproportionately affect black women. In February, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a Report The maternal mortality rate for black women was found to be almost three times higher than for white women.
Experts say that in order to improve population health, inequality must be addressed.
“Healthcare organizations must invest in inclusive innovations that improve everyone’s health, which is our goal with the IBC Foundation Institute for Health Equity,” Gregory E. Deavens, president and CEO of Philadelphia-based Independence Blue Cross, said in a statement. “There are unacceptable disparities in health care access and outcomes, and we can no longer wait to address them. The impact on people’s lives and livelihoods is critical and requires immediate action,” the statement said.
Addressing these issues fits within the larger framework of private charitable foundations, launched by Independence Blue Cross in 2011. By the end of the year, the foundation will have awarded $70 million since its inception to impact the health of communities, with grants going to nonprofits and research, according to the organization.
According to the foundation, its initiatives aim to improve access to primary care and behavioral health in underserved communities, increase educational opportunities for health care providers, address addiction, and support the treatment and recovery of people with substance use disorders.
“Health equity is integral to our ongoing philanthropic commitment to improving the health and well-being of our communities,” said Foundation President Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake. “Through the Institute, we will collaborate across sectors, leveraging research, expertise, and dedicating our resources to become a national leader in improving the health of vulnerable populations.”
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