PA leaders must be intentional in embedding health equity within their organizations. They can demonstrate how it can positively impact the organization’s bottom line. PAs should use their access to the C-suite to make a business case for stakeholders to understand the importance of embedding equity throughout the organization. Relegating health equity and antiracism work to the human resources department is insufficient. A study released by Accenture on March 15, 2022, showed that 93% of healthcare executives believe health equity is important and 86% believe it is a core part of their business strategy. However, only 36% have dedicated budgets for health equity work. Our job as leaders within the profession is to push our organizations to increase equity by establishing a system of accountability with measurable outcomes of health equity. This activity explores the steps PA leaders should take to make this dream a reality.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Identify how health equity positively impacts the organization's bottom line
• Create a business case for stakeholders' buy-in
• Apply health equity frameworks to embed equity within the organization’s structure
• Establish a system of accountability with measurable outcomes in health equity