Breaking Down Barriers: AHA Conference Takes a Step Towards Health Equity in Kansas City

In Kansas City, Mo on May 7, more than 1,000 individuals gathered for the AHA Accelerating Health Equity Conference. Joanne M. Conroy, M.D., CEO and president of Dartmouth Health and 2024 chair of the AHA Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of partnerships among hospitals, health systems, patients, community members, and public health organizations in addressing and eliminating barriers to equitable healthcare.

Clint Smith, author of “How the Word Is Passed” and a staff writer at The Atlantic, served as a keynote speaker during the conference. His remarks resonated with attendees and inspired them to take action towards promoting health equity. Breakout sessions focused on strategies for hospitals to address social determinants of health such as integrating screening and referral systems in electronic health records and collaborating with community-based organizations to enhance care coordination. Leaders from ChristianaCare, Memorial Healthcare System, and LSU Health Sciences Center shared their insights during these sessions.

During the opening session, five health organizations – Essentia Health, John Muir Health, University Hospitals, Munson Healthcare and Palomar Health – were recognized with the AHA Dick Davidson NOVA Award by Conroy for their commitment to advancing health equity. The award serves as a testament to their dedication towards providing equitable healthcare services to all communities regardless of socioeconomic status or race. The conference concluded with renewed determination among attendees towards creating a more equitable future for all individuals in healthcare.