Blogs, News & Articles
Hear from the voice of the Office of Healthcare Equity and others’ writings on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Featured stories from the Office of Healthcare Equity
- Bridging Health Gaps in Washington’s Latino CommunitiesLatino communities in Washington State are facing serious health problems. Many people are dealing with conditions like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, but they often can’t get the care they need. This is due to barriers like not having insurance, language differences, fear of deportation, and living in areas without nearby doctors. To help, the Latino Center for Health at the University of Washington, led by Dr. Leo Morales,… Read more: Bridging Health Gaps in Washington’s Latino Communities
- International Day of Persons with DisabilitiesToday, December 3, is International Day of Persons with Disabilities! In 1992, a United Nations General Assembly resolution proclaimed this annual day of observance to “promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development.” This year’s theme, “amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” is being commemorated with events that integrate PWD leadership into its global sustainable development goals. Thanks to… Read more: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- Healthcare Available for DACA RecipientsHealth care is a fundamental human right, and for the first time, DACA recipients can enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage! These affordable plans cover essential benefits like preventive care, mental health services, and hospital care. Enrolling will not affect your current or future immigration status. Enrollment is open until January 15. Visit healthcare.gov to explore your options and sign up today. If you need help, trained health enrollment… Read more: Healthcare Available for DACA Recipients
- Transgender Day of RemembranceToday, we honor Transgender Day of Remembrance, a solemn day dedicated to commemorating the lives of transgender individuals who have been lost to systemic violence, discrimination, and injustice. Each name we remember represents not just a person whose life was tragically cut short, but a powerful reminder of the urgent need to protect the human rights and healthcare access of transgender and gender-diverse individuals—especially the right to gender-affirming care. While… Read more: Transgender Day of Remembrance
- UPREP Quality Research Experience with MSTP StudentsThank you for your interest in this upcoming UPREP session! UPREP is holding our first virtual event on Friday, November 22nd at 6 pm to give an overview of Quality Research Experience from MD/PhD Students We will start with a short presentation from current MD/PhD students. This will be followed by a panel discussion with current MD and MD/PhD students and breakout rooms so that you can get your questions answered. No worries… Read more: UPREP Quality Research Experience with MSTP Students
- Black adult AFib risk linked to higher resting heart ratesA study of nearly 5,000 Black adults found that a higher resting heart rate was linked to an increased risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common irregular heartbeat with serious health implications. Published in JAMA Network Open and led by Dr. Vid Yogeswaran of the University of Washington, this research highlights a critical gap in understanding AFib risk factors among Black adults, who experience more severe AFib-related outcomes like… Read more: Black adult AFib risk linked to higher resting heart rates
- Adolescent Medical Mistrust: A Collaboration between UW Medicine and High School Student Sienna MayoWritten by Jonathan Kanter, Director of EDI Training and Education Medical mistrust can take different forms. A young Black patient may be worried that her concerns are not being fully heard by her doctor but is afraid to complain in fear that it will make things worse. Another Black patient, 4 months pregnant, is scared she’s having a miscarriage. She is unsure if she should call for help, knowing she’ll… Read more: Adolescent Medical Mistrust: A Collaboration between UW Medicine and High School Student Sienna Mayo
- Doctor for a Day Oncology WorkshopDoctor for a day from the University of Washington School of Medicine is excited to host this free in-person event with hands-on activities focusing around learning about oncology and healthcare professions. Talk with current medical students, residents, and attendings to learn more about a future career in medicine. Bring all of your questions! Free swag and food provided! Doctor for a Day is dedicated to increasing the numbers of people… Read more: Doctor for a Day Oncology Workshop
- CMFA Minority Faculty Mentoring Award goes to Dr. Janis AbkowitzDr. Janis L. Abkowitz is a recognized leader in hematology, with contributions that extend far beyond her clinical and research achievements. This year, she was honored with the University of Washington’s CMFA Minority Faculty Mentoring Award for her unwavering commitment to mentoring and supporting minority trainees in medicine. Whether guiding students through fellowship applications or advocating for national programs that uplift underrepresented groups in hematology, Dr. Abkowitz has been a… Read more: CMFA Minority Faculty Mentoring Award goes to Dr. Janis Abkowitz
- UW Medical Students Pioneer New Pathway For Black Health JusticeThe University of Washington School of Medicine’s Black Health Justice Pathway, launched in 2019 by Black medical students, addresses systemic racism and health disparities in Black communities. The program offers courses like “Undoing Racism in Public Health” and requires students to complete projects focused on Black health, equipping them to advocate for health equity in their careers. Despite past setbacks in establishing such a program, the founders pushed forward, recognizing… Read more: UW Medical Students Pioneer New Pathway For Black Health Justice
- NIH Designates People with Disabilities as a Population with Health DisparitiesThe National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) designated people with disabilities as a population with health disparities, marking a significant step towards ensuring their representation in NIH research. This designation aims to address the unique health challenges faced by people with disabilities, who often experience poorer health outcomes due to social and structural barriers, and encourages research on the intersection of disability with race, ethnicity, and socio-economic… Read more: NIH Designates People with Disabilities as a Population with Health Disparities
- Edwin Lindo to Speak at the Social Need and Health Equity SummitOn Thursday, November 7th, from 9am to 12:15pm PT, the Social Need and Health Equity Summit, hosted by the Foundation for Health Care Quality and Bree Collaborative, will feature a keynote presentation by health justice advocate Edwin Lindo, JD. Known for his groundbreaking work on Critical Race Theory and health equity, Edwin will lead a powerful discussion on the intersections of race, racism, and healthcare. Join this essential event to… Read more: Edwin Lindo to Speak at the Social Need and Health Equity Summit
- Washington State LGBTQ+ SurveyThis first-of-its-kind statewide survey aims to understand the characteristics and experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the state of Washington. The research is funded by the Washington LGBTQ Commission and is being designed for LGBTQ+ Washingtonians by LGBTQ+ Washingtonians. The LGBTQ Commission will use the findings to inform their policy recommendations to the Office of the Governor and the Washington State Legislature. Survey participants will be eligible for raffle drawings. Access… Read more: Washington State LGBTQ+ Survey
- Suicide rates differ in subgroups of young Asian AmericansA recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that suicide rates among young Asian Americans vary significantly across different ethnic subpopulations, with some groups experiencing notably higher rates than others. The findings highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions that consider cultural and community-specific factors. Read the full article from UW Medicine News:https://newsroom.uw.edu/news-releases/suicide-rates-differ-in-subgroups-of-young-asian-americans
Healthcare Equity related News & Articles
- Job Opportunity: Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (ADDEIB)Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Professor or Associate Professor Tenure or Teaching Track Location Seattle, Washington Open Date Dec 11, 2024 Description… Read more: Job Opportunity: Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (ADDEIB)
- International Day of Persons with DisabilitiesToday, December 3, is International Day of Persons with Disabilities! In 1992, a United Nations General Assembly resolution proclaimed this annual day of observance to “promote the… Read more: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- Healthcare Available for DACA RecipientsHealth care is a fundamental human right, and for the first time, DACA recipients can enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage! These affordable plans… Read more: Healthcare Available for DACA Recipients
- Black adult AFib risk linked to higher resting heart ratesA study of nearly 5,000 Black adults found that a higher resting heart rate was linked to an increased risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AFib),… Read more: Black adult AFib risk linked to higher resting heart rates
- Unlocking Potential: UW LEND’s Commitment to Inclusive Leadership and AdvocacyThe University of Washington’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (UW LEND) program trains future leaders to advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. Focused… Read more: Unlocking Potential: UW LEND’s Commitment to Inclusive Leadership and Advocacy
- 2024 Fred Hutch Cancer Center DEI Annual Progress ReportFred Hutch Cancer Center’s 4th Annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Progress Report spotlights their ongoing work across four key areas: Health Equity, Employee Engagement and… Read more: 2024 Fred Hutch Cancer Center DEI Annual Progress Report
- Bringing Racial Bias Into Focus in Ophthalmology Case StudiesStudents at the UW School of Medicine, with guidance from Edwin Lindo, JD, associate dean for Social and Health Justice in the Office of Healthcare… Read more: Bringing Racial Bias Into Focus in Ophthalmology Case Studies
- Third Annual Bias Reporting Tool ReportSince launching in 2021, UW Medicine’s Bias Reporting Tool has logged over 1,500 incidents. The latest report highlights 460 cases from June 2023 to May… Read more: Third Annual Bias Reporting Tool Report
- CMFA Minority Faculty Mentoring Award goes to Dr. Janis AbkowitzDr. Janis L. Abkowitz is a recognized leader in hematology, with contributions that extend far beyond her clinical and research achievements. This year, she was… Read more: CMFA Minority Faculty Mentoring Award goes to Dr. Janis Abkowitz
- UW Medical Students Pioneer New Pathway For Black Health JusticeThe University of Washington School of Medicine’s Black Health Justice Pathway, launched in 2019 by Black medical students, addresses systemic racism and health disparities in… Read more: UW Medical Students Pioneer New Pathway For Black Health Justice
- Planning Grants for Continuity of Care After IncarcerationThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking applications from eligible state Medicaid and CHIP agencies for planning grants to develop operational capabilities… Read more: Planning Grants for Continuity of Care After Incarceration
- NIH Designates People with Disabilities as a Population with Health DisparitiesThe National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) designated people with disabilities as a population with health disparities, marking a significant step towards… Read more: NIH Designates People with Disabilities as a Population with Health Disparities
- Edwin Lindo to Speak at the Social Need and Health Equity SummitOn Thursday, November 7th, from 9am to 12:15pm PT, the Social Need and Health Equity Summit, hosted by the Foundation for Health Care Quality and… Read more: Edwin Lindo to Speak at the Social Need and Health Equity Summit
- Free AMA Category 1 CME: Caring for American Indian and Alaska Native Children and AdolescentsThe purpose of this course is to give pediatric health professionals an opportunity to understand their role in improving the health status and quality of… Read more: Free AMA Category 1 CME: Caring for American Indian and Alaska Native Children and Adolescents