■ Healthcare
■ Healthcare
Medicaid coverage and increasing funding for community health centers will enhance care access for vulnerable populations . Notably , New Jersey ' s Medicaid program already supports healthy food access , and such initiatives can be further developed to benefit at-risk communities , promoting health equity and improving outcomes . Investing in public health education will empower residents with knowledge about healthy living . Collaborating with local governments and organizations to establish job training and financial literacy programs will help address economic disparities . By taking a holistic approach to health equity , we can foster an environment where all residents have the opportunity to thrive . Johnson : CarePlus NJ is committed to ensuring equal access to quality healthcare by addressing social determinants of health that create disparities . As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center ( CCBHC ), we provide integrated support services – including employment , housing , education , and transportation assistance — to improve the quality of life for individuals and families .
Expanding the CCBHC model statewide is a major step toward health equity , ensuring diverse and underserved populations have access to culturally competent behavioral health and social support services , regardless of income , insurance , or diagnosis . Policies should also prioritize increasing funding support to promote stability and prevent homelessness , improving access to job training and employment opportunities in underserved areas , and expanding public transportation to connect individuals to essential healthcare and services . Additionally , addressing educational barriers through childcare support and adult learning programs , and fostering collaboration with local organizations to meet unique community needs , will further reduce disparities . Together , these efforts can create a more equitable and healthier New Jersey .
Grill-Goodman : How can the average citizen or business take action for health equity ? Sonaike : We each can play an individual role in taking action and advancing health equity by exercising humility in accepting and acknowledging the lens we individually use to perceive the “ problems ” we aim to address . Sometimes the answer we need is not in the room because either we are in the wrong room , we are asking the wrong questions , or more frequently , we haven ’ t created systems where the right people have access to the same rooms we are in . By intentionally creating pathways that encourage inclusion and diversity of thought , each of us can play a positive role in improving health equity . Wang : There is an opportunity to leverage public health nursing to strategically address social determinants of health by identifying vulnerable populations and placing trained nurses directly in the communities served to focus on disease prevention and to address chronic disease . For example , we are initiating a new
Chrissy Buteas , President and CEO , HealthCare Institute of New Jersey
targeted stroke awareness education and risk assessment program specifically targeting individuals 46-65 years of age to meet the needs of that specific population and mitigate their risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease . Gold : Education and advocacy of behalf of those challenged by the SDOH are how the average citizens and the business community can take action for health equity . By educating themselves and others , they can better understand the impact these factors have on a person ' s health and wellness . They can then advocate for policies and programs that address health disparities including affordable housing , quality education , access to nutritious food , reliable transportation , employment opportunities , and access to mental health services . Volunteering at local health clinics or food pantries can also make a significant impact .
Businesses can build partnerships with local communities and organizations , sponsoring events , and collaborating on projects focused on health equity . By taking these steps , both individuals and businesses can contribute to a more equitable and healthy society . Johnson : Individuals can play a vital role in advancing health equity by educating themselves about current challenges and advocating for policies that support vulnerable and underserved populations . Engaging disparities are powerful ways to contribute .
Businesses can lead by example , fostering inclusive workplaces and equitable hiring practices while raising awareness about health equity issues that matter to their employees and communities . Supporting local organizations through donations , sponsorships , or partnerships can amplify efforts to address critical care needs .
J . Cedar Wang , MSN , APN , GNP-BC , CHSE , Vice President of Nursing Operations at Holy Name Medical Center
Achieving health equity requires collaboration across all sectors . By working together – residents , businesses , community organizations , and government – we can build a healthier , more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive . Gregoire : Both individuals and businesses play a vital role in advancing health equity . Citizens can advocate for policies that enhance equitable healthcare access , engage in community health initiatives , and volunteer with local organizations addressing social determinants of health .
Businesses can contribute by fostering inclusive workplaces that prioritize employee wellness and collaborating with local health organizations to support community health programs . For instance , Valley Health System ' s Social Equality Council strategically supports vendors from diverse backgrounds , addressing structural inequities impacting health equity for minority populations . Our Career Engagement Program offers employees from diverse backgrounds opportunities for professional development . Furthermore , promoting a diverse workforce helps us connect with the communities we serve . By supporting local economies and making health-conscious decisions , individuals and businesses can collectively create a more equitable society , fostering a culture of health equity that benefits everyone in our communities . Denise Anderson : Businesses can take action for health equity in three steps . First , they can engage with the community where their business ( es ) are located and invest in underserved communities . Investing in the social determinants of health , such as housing , education , transportation , and food insecurity , can
Continued
18 COMMERCE www . commercemagazinenj . com