Q&A: Health Equity and Social Impact with Faye McCray

Lawyer, writer, editor in chief, DEI advocate, public speaker, Vice President and Head of?Health Equity?and Social Impact at Healthline Media –– Faye McCray has a host of notable achievements under her belt. Through it all, she’s been dedicated to improving lives and well-being. Below, she chats about her role and how you can pick up helpful inclusivity practices.

*This interview has been edited for length and clarity, originally featured in Healthline Wellness Wire .

Q: What does your role entail as the head of health equity and social impact at Healthline?

A:?I lead?health equity and social impact [HESI] initiatives ?for Healthline. That means I help our teams make sure our content reflects the diversity of our audience –– and for us, diversity includes age, income, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual identity, and even environment.There are so many unique factors that influence how and why we make certain health decisions. We want to be a partner for?everyone?who chooses us for their health information.

Q: What’s your favorite part about working on the HESI team?

A:?I learn something new every day! Part of my work includes partnering with organizations who are doing fantastic work in our communities.This year, Healthline made an ongoing commitment to advancing maternal health equity. The maternal death rate has continued to climb over the past 3 years and the rates of death and complications are worse for Black and Indigenous women. We were a champion sponsor of?Black Maternal Health Week ?in April. We recently made an even bigger commitment to funding organizations working in maternal health deserts. Maternal health deserts are defined as areas with little to no access to quality maternal care. We’ve learned so much about the state of?maternal health ?and how we can all play a role in supporting healthier outcomes for pregnant people.

Q: Can you briefly explain the difference between DEI, health equity, and inclusion?

A:?DEI stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Simply put, diversity is making sure everyone is represented. Equity is leveling the playing field so everyone has the ability to reach for the same opportunities. Inclusion is making sure everyone feels safe, seen, heard, and valued.

Q:What’s the importance of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the health space?

A:?Everyone wants to feel seen, and no one should feel shamed or stigmatized when seeking care. It is important to us at Healthline to do our part to make sure everyone has access to inclusive, safe, and trustworthy health information.

Q:What do you wish more people knew about how to promote a sense of inclusion and equality?

A:?That it’s OK to make mistakes. It’s OK to say the wrong thing. Owning those mistakes is key. The journey to becoming better champions and allies is about growth, not perfection

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