Equity and Health Care Disparities
Minnesota’s hospitals and health systems serve and are part of increasingly diverse communities. They are working hard to meet the changing needs of their communities and ensure that every individual receives the highest quality of care. MHA members can log in and watch a video overview here.
Social factors can have a strong impact on overall health. Housing, transportation, educational attainment, food security and access to economic resources are just some of the social influencers of health affecting the health of individuals and families. Minnesota’s hospitals and health systems are working toward solutions and providing support to improve the health and lives of all Minnesotans.
MHA and its members are on a journey toward equity and inclusion. Hospitals and health systems regularly conduct community health needs assessments in partnership with their communities to respond to the health and wellness needs of their communities. On a statewide level, MHA coordinates data, quality and safety improvement activities; education events; and meetings with lawmakers on equity and diversity topics.
To reduce health inequities, hospitals and health systems are making efforts to align quality improvement goals with disparities solutions. MHA developed a road map and resources to help hospitals and health systems identify, address and eliminate health care disparities.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Partnership for Patients Hospital Improvement Innovation Network Health Equity Affinity Group, which included MHA, developed a health equity organizational assessment road map outlining evidence-based recommendations and standards for the development of prevention and quality improvement programs that align process improvements with outcome data. The road map reflects published literature and guidance from relevant professional organizations and regulatory agencies, as well as identified proven practices.