FOCUSING ON EQUITABLE CARE FOR ALL

Ensuring all have access to quality health services has been a long-standing pillar at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH). From community programs to health screenings, rural health centers, and support groups, WCCH remains focused on developing and providing opportunities for everyone in our community to attain their highest level of health.

Health equity aims to ensure that no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or any other socially defined circumstance. Physical access, language barriers, disadvantaged communities, and even social injustices are all factors that can lead to health disparities.

“We continue our mission to provide quality healthcare for everyone in our community,” explains Matthew Welsh, diversity, equity and inclusion officer for WCCH. “Health equity is always top of mind and requires a comprehensive and continuous focus by our organization to identify and address health disparities. Our health equity task force continually reviews patient population data to identify where disparities may exist, and works collaboratively throughout the organization to minimize health inequalities.”

For the past six months, WCCH has participated in a health equity collaborative effort provided by Vizient Southern States, a resource for healthcare organizations to achieve efficient and cost-effective operations and respond to the needs of their communities.

Through this program, WCCH has:

• Assessed our organizational structure with health equity in mind

• Defined populations within our community where additional programs are needed

• Implemented policies and assistance to address those populations

• Developed a multidisciplinary health equity task force to ensure our team is continuously working to minimize health disparities in our organization and community

“Providing equitable care for every community member is imperative for us at WCCH. As the needs of our community change through the years, it’s essential that we ensure continuity of care for all citizens in our service area,” Welsh says.

Matthew Welsh, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for WCCH