HealthPartners joins Institute for Health Improvement in Pursuing Equity

The two-year initiative is in partnership with eight health organizations nationwide

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – November 27, 2017. HealthPartners has joined eight health care organizations from across the country in an effort called Pursuing Equity. Together, we’ll find new ways to ensure everyone has access to quality health care.

The two-year initiative is led by the Institute for Health Improvement. Participating organizations have been advancing health equity in their own ways. In coming together, we can share what we’ve learned and learn from other organizations. Ultimately, the goal is to create a blueprint for organizations across the country to follow.

“A top priority for us is to make sure everyone has equal access to excellent and reliable health care and services,” said Beth Averbeck, HealthPartners senior medical director for primary care. “We are honored to be part of this transformative work. And, we believe it will bring us closer to putting good care and coverage within the reach of every person.”

Health equity means everyone has the chance to reach their best health. And they have an equal chance to do so, despite their social circumstances. These are often factors like poverty, housing and education.

“Pursuing Equity is just one way we are working to make a difference,” continued Averbeck. “We continue to look for ways to promote and support an inclusive environment - one where every person, every patient, every member and every colleague is valued and included.”

Other participating organizations include: Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Mich.; Kaiser Permanente Health Plan and Hospitals, Oakland, Calif.; Main Line Health, Newtown Square, Penn.; Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Memphis, Tenn.; Northwest Colorado Health, Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.; Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Jamaica Plain, Mass.; and Vidant Health, Greenville, N.C.

The framework each organization is testing is described in IHI’s White Paper, Achieving Health Equity: A Guide for Health Care Organizations.

Learn more about how HealthPartners is committed to making good happen.