HEALTH EQUITY
OhioHealth has a vision to enable a future where our patients, associates, providers and communities can achieve whole health and well-being.
We already provide healthcare services that mitigate barriers to equitable health. Philanthropic support is needed to enhance and expand these existing programs and services, as well as to explore innovative ways to make exceptional care accessible for all.
Why we need to act
Since 2014, the average life expectancy in the U.S. has dropped by almost 3 years and is overall lower than peer countries.
Ohio ranks 38 for life expectancy.
Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.
In Ohio, Black infants are almost three times more likely to die before their first birthday than white infants.
Our Health Equity Programs in Action
Health equity is the fair and just opportunity for everyone to fulfill their human potential in all aspects of health and well-being. This includes a person’s mental, social, emotional, physical, financial and spiritual health.
Health equity means not only improving clinical care but understanding barriers to care. It means that no one is disadvantaged based on social position, race, geography, gender identity, income, veteran status or age.
Here’s a look at some of the vital programs OhioHealth provides:
Wellness on Wheels
(WOW)
A national model for mobile healthcare, WOW is a medical home on wheels, offering women’s health services, prenatal care and primary care — regardless of ability to pay.
Medical Respite
Medical Respite provides transitional housing for patients experiencing homelessness. These patients are healing and are too ill or frail to recover without proper housing but are not ill enough to remain in hospital care. Through a partnership with local social service agencies, there is a focus on whole health, ensuring a safe place to heal. We provide these patients with follow-up care, meals and access to resources to attain self-sufficiency.
Community
Collaborations
OhioHealth partners with Mid-Ohio Food Collective in support of its “Food as Medicine” Program. If a patient screens positive for food insecurity during a healthcare visit, OhioHealth connects them to food assistance resources available at a care site and refers them to community-based food pantries and meal programs.