As payers look to improve care outcomes across racial and ethnic lines within the communities they serve, many have recently added a new role to their C-suite lineup: the health equity executive.
Becker's sat down with one of those recent hires, Shannon Wilson. On April 20, Ms. Wilson was named the first vice president of population health and health equity at Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Priority Health.
"We're finally coming to the realization that everything doesn't happen within the four walls of healthcare. If I spend most of my time in the community, then understanding the community and its implications on my health are really going to help us in solving the problem of getting people to a healthier state," Ms. Wilson said. "I think it's about healthcare taking a step back, understanding the role that we play in the process as the health plan and understanding how we can work with our communities and partner with our communities to get to a healthier state for everyone. I think that's the ultimate goal of healthcare."
Close analysis of recently added health equity positions within payer organizations nationwide reveals that 10 of the 11 roles were filled by people of color. Eight of those positions have been filled by Black women.
"Being a Black woman, I'd say it's because we're phenomenal," Ms. Wilson said. "I would imagine that it's a passion project for many. I have people in my family who've experienced these things and I've seen it up close and in person. I'd also say that we're well prepared, ready to take on the role and have the background necessary to see both sides; to understand and appreciate the medical side, but also to be knee deep in the community and understand the context within which medical care is being delivered."
Recent health equity payer positions filled by Black women:
Priority Health named Shannon Wilson as its first vice president of population health and health equity April 20. Ms. Wilson will be responsible for quality improvement for Priority Health's Medicare, Medicaid, commercial and individual lines. She will also oversee the development and execution of Priority Health's population health and health equity strategy.
CareFirst tapped Djinge Lindsay, MD, on March 24 as its first director of public health. She will lead a new public health infrastructure team focusing on improving health outcomes and health equity in all aspects of the health experience. CareFirst will serve as a partner with local health organizations, health departments, academic institutions and employers to develop strategies to improve accessibility, affordability and quality of care in the Maryland and Washington, D.C., region.
GuideWell named Kelli Tice, MD, the company's first chief health equity officer Jan. 19. The new position will aim to address health inequities among the Florida Blue parent company's employees, members and communities. Dr. Tice will also work with GuideWell's Equity Alliance, which taps the group's entire business portfolio to address health disparities experienced by Black Americans.
Centene named Shara Wesley, DrPH, chief health equity and diversity officer at subsidiary Managed Health Services in January. She focuses on equitable healthcare access and reducing health disparities by leveraging internal and external partnerships to tackle inequalities influenced by social determinants of health.
CVS Health tapped Joneigh Khaldun, MD, as its vice president and chief health equity officer Oct. 18. Dr. Khaldun focuses on strategy to advance health equity for patients, members, providers, customers and communities, as well as on culturally competent care delivery.
UCare hired Joy Marsh as associate vice president of equity and inclusion Aug. 30. Ms. Marsh is responsible for increasing UCare's accountability and leadership of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. She leads the company's equity and inclusion department and UCare's anti-racism initiatives working with internal and external stakeholders to identify and address health disparities.
Independence Blue Cross appointed Seun Ross, DNP, RN, as the organization's first executive director of health equity Aug. 17. Dr. Ross leads strategies to ensure equitable healthcare throughout the Independence network.
Humana hired Nwando Olayiwola, MD, as senior vice president and first chief health equity officer. Starting April 5, 2021, Dr. Olayiwola began leading Humana's health equity strategy across all business and care delivery lines. She will integrate cultural sensitivity into the creation of Humana's clinical programs, products, services and member communications. Dr. Olayiwola will also create specific health equity measures and action plans for reaching those measures.