Honoring Juneteenth and Reflecting on Progress (and the work ahead)
As we approach Juneteenth and find ways to recognize the contributions and resilience of Black Americans and celebrate racial diversity, I also want to take time to reflect on progress made and the important work ahead. The pandemic has laid bare the reality of health disparities in this country, and the disproportionate burden of disease, disability, and death faced by Black Americans amidst a distressed health care system.
When George Floyd was murdered in the early days of the pandemic, I joined many leaders in saying that we needed to “meet the moment” through our words and actions. I vowed to take many steps through our work at Day Health Strategies, including committing to taking an anti-racist stance both internally and externally.
In the last two years, we have:
Worked with clients to implement equitable data practices that account for racial disparities
Harnessed our firm’s platform to be an agent of change through our client work and our messaging
Continued to be a learning organization, with a focus on health equity. We have hired a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consulting firm to advise us on how we can take our internal and client work to the next level.
Promoted increased access to healthcare in underserved areas through our work with community health centers and rolling out the Covid vaccine
Updated our hiring process to overcome biases and combat discrimination.
Two years later, I recognize that there is so much more to be done. It needs to be “a movement, not a moment.” I am strengthening my resolve. I am inspired by the actions taken by Black and Latinx leaders in Massachusetts to establish The Health Equity Compact to usher in the next phase of health reform. We are committed to serving as allies in this work, collaboratively problem-solving alongside coalition members to dismantle health disparities through a comprehensive, systemic approach.
Let us move forward with renewed insight and energy as we elevate Black voices and work toward a more equitable future for all.