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■ Healthcare
EXPLORE OUR MSN PROGRAM AT RAMAPO

■ Healthcare

support better health outcomes in populations . Second , sponsor and partner with nonprofits and public health organizations and support public health initiatives that improve access to care and health education . Funding can help research , advocacy , and community programs that address health disparities , which are the differences in health outcomes between groups . Third , businesses can assess their policy and public advocacy positions , ensuring they do not perpetuate disparities and inequities . Andy Anderson : Citizens can take action for health equity by contacting legislators to support policies addressing SDOH like housing , health care access , and food security . Community members can volunteer at local food banks and shelters or raise awareness and host community discussions to promote solutions . We can all support local and minority-owned businesses to strengthen local economies , and businesses can commit to purchasing from diverse , local suppliers . Businesses can also promote workplace equity by implementing inclusive hiring and health benefit practices that address diverse employee needs in addition to offering cultural competency , DEI training , and health literacy education to employees . Wang : The average citizen can learn more about their health by attending reputable webinars and seminars to help identify their own risk of preventable diseases . They can use their
knowledge to set their own health goals to improve their quality of life and to enhance their ability to contribute to the community . Buteas : Both individuals and businesses can play a critical role in advancing health equity . Here are some actionable steps they can take :
Utilize Resources for Affordable Medications : Leverage tools like the Medicine Assistance Tool ( MAT – www . mat . org ), a search engine offering access to over 900 drug assistance programs . This resource can help patients find affordable medication options .
Advocate for Patient Rights : If a prescription is denied or delayed due to prior authorization , patients can file complaints or seek assistance from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance ( DOBI ). DOBI can intervene to ensure patients get timely access to necessary treatments .
Engage with Employers : Employees of self-funded plans should communicate with their Human Resources ( HR ) departments to advocate for better coverage options . This includes requesting the inclusion of critical treatments or procedures that may currently be excluded from their benefits . Rodgers : Health disparities in NJ harm everyone , causing lost productivity , premature deaths , and economic and emotional strain on families . These disparities disproportionately impact African Americans , Hispanics and those living in under-resourced communities
Patrick Mattis Ph . D ., DNP , MSCS , FHIMSS , CPHIMS , CNE , NI-BC , Professor in the Ramapo College Nursing program
in our state . Achieving health equity requires a collective commitment and compassion . As the Dalai Lama reminds us : “ If you want others to be happy , practice compassion ; if you want to be happy , practice compassion .”

LEAD THE CHANGE in Healthcare

The future of healthcare starts with you . Earn your Master of Science in Nursing ( MSN ) at Ramapo College , recognized by U . S . News & World Report for exceptional graduate programs .
EXPLORE OUR MSN PROGRAM AT RAMAPO

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