Health equity has become one of the most urgent priorities in healthcare—yet translating intention into meaningful, measurable change remains a challenge for many organizations. In a webinar hosted by the American College of Health Data Management (ACHDM), I was pleased to discuss key industry issues with several healthcare leaders and fellows of the college, including:
- Holly Davis, MBA, BSA, RN, CNO, Bingham Healthcare
- Daisy Rodriguez, MSN, MPH, COO, CNO, Humboldt Park Health
- Leigh Williams, VP, CIO, Augusta Health
- Hosted by Mitchell Josephson, CEO, Health Data Management Group
Our conversation went into detail on how their hospitals are taking concrete steps to reduce disparities and strengthen care for their patient populations. While each panelist represented a different type of community and care environment, a common theme emerged throughout the discussion: real progress happens when organizations pair strong data governance with a deep understanding of their community. The webinar showcased practical examples of data-driven initiatives that are delivering measurable results in supporting marginalized rural patients, improving access to preventive care, and more.
The conversation also highlighted how hospitals can use social determinants of health (SDOH) insights, demographic data, and community engagement to identify gaps and then translate that information into targeted programs. There was a shared sentiment that health equity initiatives are most successful when they’re embedded into everyday workflows, rather than treated as a standalone project.
The session also provided a realistic look at the challenges hospitals face in this area, including resource/budget constraints and adapting to evolving government policies. Yet each speaker emphasized that even small, incremental improvements can create a ripple effect across teams and communities—especially when supported by consistent, long-term commitment from leadership.
For healthcare organizations looking to advance their own equity strategies, this webinar offers practical approaches grounded in real-world experience. The insights shared illustrate that every hospital, regardless of size or geography, can make meaningful progress by starting with strong data foundations, listening to community needs, and empowering staff to take action.
Be sure to watch the full on-demand webinar to explore these initiatives in depth and gain inspiration for your own organization.
Watch our on-demand MEDITECH Thought Leader Webinars that feature expert healthcare leaders discussing key industry topics.
.jpg)
