Health Equity as a System Strategy: The Rush University Medical Center Framework

Abstract

Summary Rush University Medical Center adopted a health equity strategy in 2016 in an effort to address the large life-expectancy gaps in its primary service area. The center named structural racism and economic deprivation as among the root causes for neighborhood-based racial health inequities and proposed an organizational anchor mission and equity strategy to begin to address the social and structural determinants of health that underpinned these racial health inequities. A dedicated senior executive team with experience and credibility and support from the board and the civic community are critical to the success of such an initiative. Listening sessions in the community and a commitment to share decision-making with community leaders are foundational to the strategy and necessary to overcome historical mistrust. Rush’s community efforts are guided by the voice of the community: “Nothing about us without us.”