The American Heart Association hosted its first annual Health Equity in the Workforce Leadership Summit, bringing together representatives from various local businesses to share information and understand the diverse needs of their employees. Speakers at the event discussed the distinction between equity and equality and their significant role in healthcare.
Tiffany Gholston, board chair of the American Heart Association of the Triangle, highlighted that many employers have good intentions but may not know where to start when addressing health equity in the workplace. Notable companies such as Deloitte, IBM, Lenovo, and Advanced Auto Parts had representatives present at the event. Additionally, faculty members from Duke University and North Carolina State University were in attendance to discuss the challenges faced by recent graduates entering the local workforce.
Gholston emphasized that healthcare should not be approached with a one-size-fits-all mentality, especially considering that employees spend a significant amount of time at work. The American Heart Association aims to provide employers with the necessary tools and resources to support the health equity of their employees effectively.
Looking ahead, Gholston expressed her hope that the summit would serve as a platform for ongoing communication and action, ensuring that employees have access to the appropriate resources they need. As the American Heart Association began focusing on this area in 2021, Gholston underscored the significance of addressing issues like mental health in the workplace, especially in light of the challenges brought on by the pandemic in 2020. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission from Capitol Broadcasting Company.
