Health equity

The National Institutes of Health has ended hundreds of grants to colleges and hospitals. For Meharry Medical College, a historically Black school, the reduction is devastating.

Doulas can improve the birthing experience for all, with their presence linked to positive outcomes, including reduced cesarean section rates and fewer preterm births.

While hospitals have focused more on social factors affecting health, less than 1 in 3 emergency departments ask patients about those challenges. Researchers call it a ‘missed opportunity.’

Less than half of America’s rural hospitals still have labor and delivery units, raising more concerns of growing maternity care deserts.

More than 50 labor and delivery units have been shuttered in the last decade, for a variety of reasons.

The technology gap in rural healthcare isn't just a technology problem –– it's a health equity issue.

Too many women die after giving birth, and more are dying weeks or months after delivery. Dr. Cynthia Chen-Joea of the American Academy of Family Physicians talks about the stubborn problem and what can be done.

About 1,200 at the National Institutes of Health are being forced out, including some key leaders. The cuts are part of the broader layoffs and reorganization of the Department of Health & Human Services.

Nemours is lending millions to a community center in Wilmington. Dr. R. Lawrence Moss of Nemours talks about why the effort is so important and fits in with the system’s mission.

The number of first-year Black students fell by 11% this year. Dr. James Hildreth, president and CEO of Meharry Medical College, talks about the problems and turning the decline around.

A new report from the Leapfrog Group shows greater rates of C-sections among Black, Asian and Hispanic patients. The report also finds an uptick in C-sections.

After leading the pediatric system for more than seven years, Dr. Marc Gorelick is retiring this summer. He talked with us about navigating the pandemic, adapting to change, and why he’s focused on closing disparities.

Dr. Ndidi Unaka, the chief health equity officer, talks about the steps the organization is taking and offers insights on closing disparities.

The dismissal of patient and family concerns rose to the top of ECRI’s annual list of threats to patients. Marcus Schabacker, ECRI’s CEO, talks with us about the need to listen to patients.

Researchers found that women in health care, including physicians, don’t fare as well as women outside of the industry. Black women physicians have the highest mortality rate of any group.

Melissa Robinson of the Piedmont health system in Georgia talks about using technology to solve a thorny problem.

Health systems that strive to close disparities will help patients that are underserved and strengthen the organization, says Dr. Lakshmi Halasyamani of Endeavor Health.

The order aims to block federal funding to providers offering surgeries and chemical treatments to those under 19. Healthcare organizations have defended such care.

Executives are going to do work on closing disparities in disadvantaged groups, a Deloitte report finds. Jay Bhatt of Deloitte talks how to make those efforts successful.

Carolee Lee of Women’s Health Access Matters (WHAM) talks about spurring investments, understanding women’s health isn’t a niche market, and raising awareness about the untapped opportunities.

Liana Douillet Guzmán, CEO of FOLX Health, talks about serving a community that has had bad experiences with healthcare, concerns about Donald Trump’s return to the White House, and why she’s still optimistic.

There are greater incidences of cancer among younger women, and Black and Native Americans have higher mortality rates, according to new figures from the American Cancer Society.

Bruce Siegel has led the organization that represents safety-net hospitals for more than a decade.

The healthcare ecosystem is at an inflection point: one where designing outreach for equity must be accounted for not as an afterthought but as a priority.