So how can healthcare leaders vanquish these disparities? The answer relies on the establishment of clear governance structure and responsibilities. As chair of the board of directors of Advocate Aurora Health, I can say that hospital systems expect more accountability from their boards than ever before.
Hospital boards must first ensure they reflect the communities they serve.
This is where the Black Directors Health Equity Agenda, a national coalition of African Americans who serve on the boards of healthcare organizations, seeks to make a difference. The group, which I co-founded, is dedicated to supporting more focused strategies and accelerating the goal of eliminating health inequities.
Next, is it best to ensure focus by creating a standing board committee dedicated to health equity? Or is progress better made when the tenets of health equity are embedded throughout the enterprise and all governance structures?
Once an organization establishes its governance model to address health equity, it must then determine how to measure performance and give incentives for success. As our country grapples with the complexities of health disparities, will we determine that health equity is a human right? If so, should the government define goals and metrics for achieving equity?
Finally, boards and health systems must also commit to promoting equity, diversity and inclusiveness within their own workforce. At Advocate Aurora, we’ve made significant strides by tying executive compensation to specific goals for diverse hires in leadership positions, lower turnover rates among employees of color and investment in minority- and women-owned businesses.