Unlocking Health Equity: Insights from Symposium Speakers on Building Partnerships to Overcome Disparities

It’s been a decade since the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Khalid Osman, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, emphasizes the importance of community involvement in understanding water quality. He believes that people use water daily and have valuable insights about it. Yet, their knowledge isn’t always respected in decision-making processes.

On the health side, Stephen Luby, a professor focused on improving health in low-income countries, thinks the academic world has pointed out environmental issues but hasn’t done enough to find solutions. He highlights that solar technology has become much cheaper, making it more accessible. Advances in battery technology can also support efforts to move away from fossil fuels, revealing significant opportunities for improving both our environment and health.

In Chicago, Omar Lateef, who leads Rush University Medical Center, is dedicated to addressing health inequities. He argues that health systems need to connect deeply with their communities instead of just aiming for quick funding. Lateef’s approach involves building relationships and trust. His team has worked hard to lessen the life expectancy gap between wealthy areas and less affluent neighborhoods. For instance, those born in Streeterville may live 15 to 17 years longer than those from the Near West Side.

To improve community health, Lateef’s strategy includes hiring and investing locally. He believes that supporting local businesses can lead to better health outcomes because it promotes financial stability within the community. By doing so, health care can play a role in addressing broader societal issues.

Rush has also partnered with five other health systems to create West Side United, which is seen as a national example of community collaboration to tackle inequities.

Alyce Adams, a professor of health policy, stresses that while public health systems provide some access, many still struggle with high out-of-pocket expenses. She advocates for health care organizations to become more proactive about affordability. Universal preschool is another critical factor in narrowing health gaps, according to Lisa Chamberlain, a pediatrician who notes that many children enter school unprepared despite their families’ hard work. Her collaboration with the Stanford School of Education focuses on helping kids develop the skills they need early on.

Chamberlain highlights research showing that high-quality preschool leads to better educational and health outcomes later in life. Investing in children during their early years can bring long-lasting benefits to the community.

Michelle Williams, a professor of epidemiology, expresses her confusion about the lack of strong collective action toward equitable health care. She recalls how society often “others” those in need, which undermines efforts to promote equity. Maisha Winn, an educator, points out the importance of finding shared understanding in discussions about policy changes. Differing opinions can exist, but starting from common ground increases the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Winn warns against oversimplifying complex issues, citing recent discussions surrounding health care reform and the death of a prominent health insurance CEO. She stresses that expediting solutions is rarely straightforward and that understanding the roots of the health care system helps clarify what needs to change.

Educating the public about health disparities and the reasons behind our health care landscape is essential. In short, the effort to improve health outcomes is a community-wide responsibility.