A This American Life episode from 2021 outlines the idea of a “spark bird;” the singular species (or experience) that hooks someone on birding. My wife is a birder and it is a hobby for which I am glad she has other people to talk to, but this metaphor sticks with me and I think can be applied most anywhere. My equity spark, why I am passionate about equity and specifically, health equity, has changed over time. When I was young it was pure rage at the idea of people being treated differently. This shifted to a need to strengthen my LGBTQ community in college, and now has expanded to focus on a future that allows my two girls to be whomever they turn out to be.

This is why I am looking forward to our November 7th, virtual, Social Need and Health Equity Summit 2024 from 9:00 – 12:15pm PT. Building upon last year’s development of four pivotal reports—Advancing Health Equity, Social Need Screening, Social Need Intervention, and Storing and Sharing Data—this webinar will delve into practical implementations and strategies for promoting health equity. Discover how organizations across Washington are applying these guidelines, from enhancing social need screening practices to implementing effective interventions and advancing data collection like SOGI data. Gain insights on new updates around these topics. Explore how to foster sustained change within our health ecosystem, aiming to align strategies that ensure equitable health outcomes for all communities.

Sign up here to attend –you can receive CME credits for attending the event

Plenary Presentation: Health Justice by Edwin Lindo, JD

Presentations: 

• Social Need Screening & Interventions Panel by ICHS and Jefferson Healthcare
• An ACH Referral Pathway: Connecting Clients from the Hospital to the Community Panel by Peace Health, SWACH and WAGAP
• Strengthening SOGI Data Collection to Improve Client Outcomes Panel by MultiCare, UnitedHealthcare Group and WSHA
• Care Coordination Updates by Michael Garrett

The WSMA designates this live activity for a maximum of 3.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.

By Ginny Weir, MPH
CEO, Foundation for Health Care Quality