Equity Versus Equality
Dr. London Wills spoke to an audience on both the importance and difference in equity versus equality at the Chamber Strome Business Series. Dr. Wills is the National Policy & Advocacy Director, Health Equity Johnson & Johnson. He presented a brief but impactful presentation on diversity and healthcare disparities, emphasizing their vital role in the community and business community. Dr. Wills passion for health equity began when he left ODU and began working in underserved communities in Newport News after graduate school. He saw that quality food, security and medical services were nonexistent, subpar, or very inconvenient if not impossible to get to for local residents. He served in that community role for 10 years.
"When we start thinking about what happens in business, in healthcare, and things of that nature; that's all we're trying to do. Get to equity so that there's fairness and reasonable accommodations are made for all people" said Dr. Wills.Dr. Wills suggested a strategy that consisted of educating doctors. "Elevate the doctors that are making a difference. When we hear things like 'I treat everyone the same' it means that you are not seeing the nuances, and the issues that don't make everyone the same. Reach those good-willed and dedicated to change with indepth DEI training. Survey the patients, 'did your treatment feel sincere, did your health improve'. Make conscious, improvements. Track and then communicate the change. Acknowledge the problem and make the necessary adjustments. It has to start in medical school, medical training, first year residence, and core curriculum. What does it mean to consciously treat patients? Create an environment that celebrates 'if you see something, say something".
Dr. Wills also touched on the mistrust and distrust within the African American and People of Color communities. He defined a mistrust as one that is based on personal experiences while a distrust is one built on historical but not personal experiences. When asked how to fight the distrust within these communities, he said, "When it comes to raising children, we must create communities around them. Create villages that include African American doctors, people that you trust. Your experience can't trump your NEED of healthcare. We must emphasize early prevention and consistent care."
Member Spotlight Sponsor Dana Beckton, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for Sentara Healthcare, spoke on Sentara's efforts on the cultural changes implemented for additions in creating a positive culture to live, work, and play. "It is a pleasure to be a part of this event because Sentara has really stepped up its efforts around diversity, inclusion, corporate competency, health equity, and corporate social responsibility. "
Dean Tanner shared a story of Sentara's chief marketing officer visiting the class and providing insights on vaccination marketing methods in communities of color. "It was one of the most interesting examples, from where I sit as a marketing guy, of multichannel marketing; in order to affect important social progress and in particular the vaccine progress." As Sentara gets involved in community outreach every day, Dean Tanner showed his appreciation to our Presenting Sponsor, Sentara Healthcare.
Dr. Wills also touched on the importance of inclusiveness, a method for setting the right example, and providing the correct training for the future of underserved communities. "We can be really intentional about the types of training classes that we put in place. So, if we want to be inclusive, then let's create inclusive training classes. Let's not create training classes that only speak to someone that may have a Ph.D. Let's not do that. Because when we do that, basically we are limiting access and effectiveness. We need to be intentional and create high quality classes with a wide appeal. "
