Frameworks for Advancing Health Equity: A Closer Look at Programs Tackling Disparities in US Healthcare

In the latest episode of The Managed Care Cast from The American Journal of Managed Care®, the Center on Health Equity and Access launches a new series aimed at exploring program initiatives in the US that aim to reduce health care disparities by closing the accessibility gap. The goal of this series is to showcase actionable frameworks for improving equity in the health care sector.

The series “Frameworks for Advancing Health Equity” will feature a variety of innovative programs within health care centers and their partners. The first episode focuses on the Urban Health Outreach program led by the Center for Inclusion Health at the Allegheny Health Network (AHN). Mary Sligh, CRNP, and Chelsea Chappars, project manager for Urban Health Outreach and Humane Health Coalition, share their experiences providing care for individuals experiencing homelessness and discuss the multifaceted approach of their program.

One of the key takeaways from this episode is the need to expand services and reach to more underserved populations. It also emphasizes the importance of promoting destigmatization of unstable housing, substance use, and mental health care within the health care system. Training peers on how to care for and develop effective health equity initiatives for these populations is also highlighted as an important step towards improving equity in healthcare.

Listeners can find this episode on platforms like iTunes, TuneIn, Stitcher, and Spotify.