Chair File: Collaborative Approaches and Exemplars in Advancing Health Equity

We know that health equity matters. But what exactly does the term mean? AHA’s 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. Part of the AHA’s efforts to create a just society of healthy communities is recognizing health care organizations that are accelerating health equity, while on their journey.

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, the “Transforming” winner, is committed to creating and implementing strategies that promote equity within its community. The Radnor, Pa.-based 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. It provides diversity, equity and inclusion training for all employees. By establishing employee resource groups and listening circles and carrying out other initiatives, Main Line Health creates a culture focused on delivering equitable care and fostering a diverse workplace. In addition, the health system collaborates with community partners to address social drivers of health.
• Augusta Health in Fishersville, Va., the “Emerging” winner, 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. The result is improved communication and care for patients. Augusta Health also has established programs to address local health disparities, including convening a housing summit in 2023 to bring together stakeholders to discuss sustainable housing solutions. Other programs focus on improving infant and maternal health outcomes.
• AnMed in Anderson, S.C., the “Small/Rural Hospital Excellence” winner, 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.

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 July 22.

The AHA offers a comprehensive, online library of resources for building more inclusive and equitable communities, no matter a hospital’s size, and the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity leads several programs focused on equity transformation.  

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 and sharing knowledge, and taking action in our communities is key to advancing health equity. It must be a priority for all of us.