Hospital systems across the country have tasked senior staff with the responsibility of confronting longstanding inequities and addressing the impact of racism within certain healthcare intuitions. These health equity officers are positioned as leaders in advancing health equity but are often left navigating internal obstacles that continue to perpetuate racism.

Healthcare systems have a responsibility to provide quality care to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. By acknowledging and addressing the historic and intentional harm of racism in the U.S., hospitals can start to improve care and outcomes by:

• Dismantling institutional policies that perpetuate structural racism
• Conducting anti-racism training for staff and leaders to address bias
• Recruiting and hiring diverse staff that reflect the community
• Creating health equity committees to advise leadership
• Collaborating with community organizations to learn from lived experiences