What is Health Equity?
Health equity means that everyone has a chance to be as healthy as possible. Southcoast Health works towards this within and outside of the healthcare system. First, we work to make sure that each member of our community can access healthcare where, when, and how they need it. Second, we know that social drivers of health like housing, transportation, and work can affect our health, too. To help our patients with these needs, we make connections with community partners.
What is a Disparity?
When one group has more illness/disease or worse health outcomes than another group we call it a health disparity. Differences in how people receive healthcare are called healthcare disparities. For example, a health system could notice that patients who mainly speak English as a primary language come to their doctor’s appointments more often than patients who mainly speak Portuguese. Why might this be? By asking questions and addressing disparities like these, we can advance health equity and improve our overall health and ability to thrive.
Southcoast Cares About My Diabetes
One example of how Southcoast Health aims to reduce health disparities is the Southcoast Cares About My Diabetes program. Southcoast Health received a grant from BCBSMA to establish a collaborative, system-wide program for our patients with diabetes (Southcoast Cares About My Diabetes) and pre-diabetes (Diabetes Prevention Program). Both programs are of no cost to patients and utilize interpreters to provide extensive education in patients’ preferred language. You can learn more about the program here.
We Ask Because We Care
At Southcoast Health, our care team understands the importance of giving our patients equal access to high quality care. Asking patients about their backgrounds allows our staff to identify individual health needs, address disparities, and deliver exceptional care from people who care.
What are RELD & SOGI?
Race, ethnicity, language and disability (RELD) & Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI)
Asking patients about their RELD & SOGI information allows our staff to identify individual health needs, address disparities, and deliver exceptional care. Some of this information can also help patients feel welcomed, recognized, understood, and supported. Asking about preferred written and spoken language helps us ensure that we communicate with patients clearly and effectively. Providing additional information can help improve our level of care.
Learn More: LGBTQIA+ Welcoming & Knowledgeable Resource Center
What does this mean for my healthcare at Southcoast Health?
As part of our efforts to align the collection of RELD & SOGI information with best practices, Southcoast Health patients may be asked new questions about RELD & SOGI through MyChart or at their next appointment. This information will help your care team to connect patients with appropriate community resources and to carry out programs that meet the needs of our patient population.
Please remember that all of these questions are optional, and you are not required to answer. Your information is kept private between your provider and you and helps us better serve your needs.