Advancing Health Equity

We Follow Evidence-Based Medicine—So Why Ignore This Critical Factor in Patient Safety? Modern healthcare is built on evidence-based medicine—rigorous protocols, clinical guidelines, and research-driven decisions designed to protect patients. Yet, one critical factor for patient safety is often forgotten. It’s not cutting-edge technology, a breakthrough drug, or an advanced procedure. You might not even notice the impact of its absence; it causes mistakes to go unreported, concerns unspoken, but the harm won’t just be a possibility—it will be inevitable. In high-stakes care settings, this can mean misdiagnoses, medical errors, and putting patients at risk. The missing critical factor is called psychological safety. Psych safety isn’t about compromising on work quality and being “nice”—it’s about raising the bar. High-performing teams don’t ignore problems—they confront them head-on, knowing that speaking up leads to better outcomes. Creating a culture where people feel safe flagging concerns, admitting mistakes, and voicing hesitations without fear of retaliation is essential for patient safety. At Advancing Health Equity, we help healthcare organizations do just that. Through assessments, training, and strategic guidance, we support organizations in embedding psychological safety into their culture—ensuring that high standards of care are upheld not just in policy, but in practice. This Patient Safety Awareness Week let’s remember safety isn’t just about protocols—it’s about a building a culture of accountability, transparency, and learning. ?? What are the best ways to foster psychological safety in healthcare? Let’s start the conversation. #PatientSafetyAwarenessWeek #PSAW #MovingTheNeedle #PsychologicalSafety #Healthcare

?? From Learning to Leading: What do you see as a common barrier between theoretical knowledge and practical application when it comes to health equity? Last week, we facilitated our ‘Mobilizing for Health Equity’ training for the leadership of an internationally recognized nonprofit committed to patient safety and healthcare quality. Participants arrived eager to engage, learn, and improve health outcomes. As the session progressed, differences in knowledge and the ability to articulate health equity concepts faded, while their collective commitment to equity strengthened. Initially, the lack of a shared language around health equity posed a barrier to embedding it in daily work, but through active learning, confidence in discussing and applying these principles steadily grew. As the afternoon progressed, discussions grew more thought-provoking and, at times, appropriately emotionally charged, adding depth and meaning. In the safe and supportive space created by all, participants daringly engaged in dialogue, deep reflection, and collective learning—showcasing the power of open conversations in driving meaningful change. We closed with a thought exercise, forming teams to identify potential health equity initiatives within their organization. The outcomes? Surprising and creative ideas to address current unmet needs, and—most importantly—a room buzzing with energy, filled with determination and a palpable sense of momentum. By learning together, engaging, and challenging the status quo, we can transform systems—and this group gave us a glimpse of what they can achieve. We look forward to seeing how their learning will translate into real-world change. #HealthEquity #Leadership #SystemsChange #AdvancingHealthEquity #InclusiveHealthcare

It is inspiring to see a founder make room for growth and change and how women in particular share influence, power and leadership as the work and influence expands. Congratulations to all.

We are proud to announce that, as of March 1, 2025, Samantha Truman has officially stepped into the role of CEO, succeeding Dr. Uché Blackstock, MD, who will continue to guide us in her new role as Chief Advisor. Since joining the organization in 2020, Samantha has been a steadfast advocate for health equity, ensuring that every strategy and initiative is rooted in the belief that all people deserve the opportunity to attain their highest level of health. As she takes on the role of CEO, she reaffirms this commitment: “True progress and resilience come from community and collective action. I look forward to continuing working alongside our team and partners to place equity at the heart of healthcare.” We thank and celebrate Dr. Uché Blackstock, our founder and former CEO, whose leadership has shaped our mission from when AHE was founded in 2019. We are grateful for her continued guidance in her new role of Chief Advisor. Reflecting on this transition, Dr. Blackstock shared:? "When I founded Advancing Health Equity, I knew this work would require bold leadership and a strong commitment to justice. Samantha embodies these qualities, and I look forward to seeing her lead AHE in creating lasting, systemic change." Now more than ever, we are committed to uniting and forging meaningful partnerships, driving social impact through respect, collaboration, and integrity—working toward a future where equity is a guiding principle in healthcare. With this transition, we reaffirm our dedication and commitment to driving meaningful change. While progress is not a given, together, through persistence and purpose, we can shape a more just and equitable future. Join us in congratulating Samantha and thanking Dr. Blackstock for her unwavering leadership! #AdvancingHealthEquity #Together #PublicHealth?

We are thrilled to partner with SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in advancing health equity. We encourage other academic institutions to follow suit, beginning with investments in our students. This commitment will yield lasting impacts, benefiting future generations in the pursuit of equitable healthcare. #Advancing Health Equity

Today, on World Day of Social Justice, we launched our Health Equity Champions Program—creating a space to learn, reflect, and take action toward a more equitable healthcare system. One theme echoed throughout our discussions: equity work is not a solo journey. It requires shared learning, open dialogue, and most importantly, community—to navigate challenges and create solutions together. As participants shared: ?? “It can feel helpless witnessing inequities.” ?? “It can feel big and entrenched.” Through learning together, we build the skills and community needed to drive meaningful change—laying the foundation for the work ahead. ?? What’s one way we can support each other in advancing equity? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you! #HealthEquity #SocialJustice #HealthEquityChampionsProgram #WorldDayOfSocialJustice

"Article 6" is a critical source of funding for core public health activities. These include safeguarding our drinking water, curbing diseases like tuberculosis, and preventing outbreaks through vaccination. It also finances doulas caring for pregnant moms, and naloxone distribution to prevent overdoses. Yet in 2019, New York State slashed Article 6 public health funding to New York City from a 36% state match on the local dollar to 20%. This cut was to New York City only. If parity with the rest of the state were restored for Article 6, tens of millions of dollars would flow to essential public health activities. This would also support the types of jobs we need for New Yorkers: nurses, community health workers, and laboratory technicians. Advancing Health Equity's CEO Uché Blackstock, MD and colleagues write in an OpEd entitled "Investing in public health benefits us all" in today's AMToday. Read here on the importance of New York State restoring Article 6 funding to New York City given the current federal administration. Link: https://lnkd.in/e2EsJJYf

?? Advance Health Equity in Your Organization & Community! Join the Health Equity Champions Program, a 5-month learning experience designed for professionals who want to lead change in healthcare. Through nine interactive live sessions and flexible virtual learning, you'll gain the tools to create more inclusive, patient-centered care. ? Live expert-led discussions ? Flexible, recorded sessions ? Recognition with a certificate + digital badge ?? Scholarship spots available! Up to two participants per organization can join free of charge, with limited availability for independent learners. ? Deadline: February 10, or until capacity is reached. Don’t wait! ?? See the session schedule in the comments. ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/eCHew9Yd #HealthEquity #HealthcareLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerGrowth #Networking #PublicHealth #HealthAdvocacy #HealthEquityChampionsProgram

Asian, Black, Latinx, and multiracial children experience shorter sleep durations, later bedtimes, and greater variability in sleep patterns compared to their White peers. These disparities, often overlooked, impact children’s health and development and highlight the need for culturally responsive solutions.? ? This is just one example of one disparity affecting minoritized populations. When combined with other inequities—like access to healthcare, nutritious food, or safe environments—these challenges add up, creating profound barriers to opportunity and well-being.? ? Healthcare providers, schools, and other stakeholders all have a role to play in addressing these inequities. By tackling disparities like sleep health at multiple levels, we can help build a foundation for children to thrive, no matter their background. Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/enM547nR? ? We are dedicated to addressing disparities, both visible and hidden, to create a healthier, more equitable future for all. Let’s work together to make change.? ? #HealthEquity #PediatricHealth #SleepDisparities #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #CulturalCompetence #PublicHealth

Join the Health Equity Champions Program 2025 ??????! Do you want to transform healthcare for an equitable future? Our 5-month virtual program combines independent virtual learning with nine interactive live sessions, equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to drive meaningful change. ?? Start Date: Thursday, February 20, at 2:00 PM (EST) ? Commitment: ~5 hours/month ?? Live sessions recorded for flexibility ?? Certificate + digital badge upon completion ?? Scholarships available! We offer up to two free spots per organization and limited spaces for independent learners. ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/eCHew9Yd. Spots are limited! Registration closes on February 10 or once we reach capacity. ?? Check the full schedule in the comments. #HealthEquity #HealthcareLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerGrowth #Networking #PublicHealth #HealthAdvocacy #HealthEquityChampionsProgram?