The Role Employers Have in Promoting Health Equity
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the factors such as economic and social conditions that play a role in an individual’s health outcomes. Some examples of SDOH could be food instability, transportation barriers, education level and more. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted health disparities and systemic issues that create unequal health outcomes in underserved and minority communities.
Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, Vice President of Community Health and Social Impact for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, recently authored an article for the Business Journal, sharing insights on the role employers have in SDOH.
“We cannot unknow or unsee the things the pandemic has revealed to us. Instead of moving back, let’s talk about what we’ve learned, what it means going forward, and the opportunity and responsibility we share as business leaders to make a plan of action to support lasting change in healthcare.”
Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, Vice President of Community Health and Social Impact for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Ramjohn emphasized the role employers have in promoting health equity in their communities. She encouraged business leaders to:
- Adopt a corporate culture that advances diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Ask employees for their personal experiences. Communicate, share information, and adopt inclusive policies.
- Support small businesses and organizations in your community that work to improve access to healthcare.
