Promoting Health Equity in the Workplace: Achieving Better Outcomes through Collaborative Efforts at the First Annual Summit

The first annual Health Equity in the Workforce Leadership Summit, hosted by the American Heart Association, brought together representatives from various local businesses to discuss the challenges and opportunities of promoting health equity in the workplace. The summit’s primary goal was to facilitate the sharing of information among different companies, helping leaders gain a better understanding of the diverse needs of their employees.

Speakers at the summit discussed the distinction between equity and equality and how each plays a crucial role in healthcare. Tiffany Gholston, board chair of the American Heart Association of the Triangle, highlighted that many employers have good intentions but may not know where to begin in addressing health equity issues in their workplaces.

Notable companies such as Deloitte, IBM, Lenovo, and Advanced Auto Parts had representatives present at the event. Additionally, faculty members from Duke University and North Carolina State University were in attendance to discuss the challenges faced by recent graduates entering the local workforce.

Gholston emphasized that healthcare should not be approached with a one-size-fits-all mentality since employees spend a significant amount of time at work. The American Heart Association aims to equip employers with the necessary tools and resources to support their employees’ health equity effectively.

Looking ahead, Gholston expressed her hope that the summit would serve as a platform for ongoing communication and action, ensuring that employees have access to the appropriate resources they need to maintain their health and wellness. As the American Heart Association began focusing on this area in 2021, Gholston underscored