Snapshots of recent healthcare events attended by Jarrard Inc.
EVENT: National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) annual education conference
WHERE: New Orleans, LA; October 12-14
ATTENDEES: 1,000+
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Ivor Horn, MD, MPH; director of health equity & product inclusion, Google
CONFERENCE THEME: “From ‘Disruptive Innovation’ to Reimagining the Future”
- Worth repeating: “There is no quality of care without equity of care,” an idea that echoed throughout conversations and plenary sessions across the three-day event.
- Equity of care took the main stage. The conversation focused on closing the gaps in health disparities and social determinants of health. Culture, engagement, meeting communities where they are and healthcare extending beyond the walls of hospitals were key conversations.
- Location, location, location. Hosting the event in Louisiana was befitting a focus on healthcare equity. The state ranks consistently low in health system performance, and COVID’s disparate impact on communities of color was most strikingly evident in Louisiana. Yet through a comprehensive community campaign, the state reached some of the country’s highest vaccination levels among residents of color – an encouraging data point for advancing comprehensive, collaborative public health efforts.
- Welcome the next generation of healthcare leaders of color. NAHSE appears to be shifting its focus from seasoned professionals to uplifting developing talent and connecting them with current industry leaders. The event was the conference’s largest turnout in 37 years, and the throng of young, eager, mid-career professionals – adding a noticeable energy.
OUR TAKEAWAY
It’s difficult to accomplish the equity so many providers promise to patients if organizations themselves lack diversity and representation. That means hiring. “Lack of options” is a tired excuse for employers to cite for failing to hire more talent of color. NAHSE is a shining example of the sheer number of qualified, accomplished, diverse healthcare professionals. The event is a reminder that employees need to be looking in the right places. NAHSE repositioning its target demographic to reach the next generation of professionals further opens a pipeline at the entry level. And it offers a space where traditionally underrepresented talent can see themselves and each other uplifted and connected in their field.
–By Erika Matallana, Jarrard Inc. AVP
