The COVID-19 pandemic unmasked dramatic disparities, with African Americans and Latinx community members accounting for a disproportionate share of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. Crises often amplify existing inequities and highlight the urgent need to address the root causes of health inequities.

Wellstar Health System’s Center for Health Equity and the Georgia Health Policy Center are excited to host a webinar series this fall focused on achieving equity in Georgia, in partnership with the Atlanta Regional Collaboration for Health Improvement and the Partnership for Southern Equity.

This series will engage community, clinical, and other partners in building a community-level understanding of health equity by exploring the root causes of common and persistent inequities and providing evidence-informed, practical tips and tools to address these inequities in Georgia.

Each session explores a specific equity challenge and offers examples from the field of efforts to achieve equity.

All sessions are from 12-1:15pm ET. Zoom link provided after registration.

 

Adaptive Leadership In Times of Change  

October 7, 2020 (watch recording)

This foundational session provides a framework for how participants can strive to achieve equity in their sphere of influence. To achieve health equity in Georgia, adaptive leadership skills are needed. Participants will gain an understanding of the differences between technical and adaptive challenges, the skills needed to resolve both, and experience addressing an adaptive challenge.

 

The Landscape of Health Disparities in Georgia: Engaging Communities in Solutions

October 21, 2020 (watch recording)

Residents in Georgia face persistent health equity challenges, some of which are influenced by factors like race, gender, identity, socioeconomic status, and geography. Participants will hear about some of the most common inequities present in Georgia, hear about two efforts focused on engaging communities as a means to achieve equity, and acquire practical strategies to enhance engagement efforts.

Featuring

• Lisa Medellin, director of programs at the Healthcare Georgia Foundation
• Myriam Hernandez Jennings, consumer and community engagement advisor at Community Catalyst

 

Achieving Equity in Behavioral Health 

November 4, 2020 (watch recording)

Today, more than ever, the demand for behavioral health services is increasing. Participants will hear about behavioral health needs among populations experiencing disparities and examples of innovative efforts to meet those needs throughout Georgia.

Featuring

• Monica Johnson, director of the Division of Behavioral Health at Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
• Pierluigi Mancini, Ph.D., from the Multicultural Development Institute
• Belisa Urbina, founder and executive director at Ser Familia

 

Achieving Equity in Maternal and Child Health

November 18, 2020 (watch recording)

Outcomes for mothers and their babies in Georgia are historically poor, compared to the nation, and these disparities persist. Participants will hear about what is driving poor outcomes and learn about specific efforts to achieve equity among women and children in the state.

Featuring

• Amber Mack, research and policy analyst at Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia
• Angela Aina, interim executive director of Black Mamas Matter Alliance

 

Achieving Equity in HIV/AIDS

December 2, 2020 (watch recording)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the highest rates of HIV diagnoses are in the South, and Georgia has some of the highest rates in the nation. Participants will hear more about the disparities that persist in HIV transmission and treatment and the work taking place to achieve equity in HIV care in Georgia.

 

Achieving Equity in Cancer

December 9, 2020 (watch recording)

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, cancer is the second leading cause of death among Georgians and there are clear and persistent disparities in health outcomes associated with cancer screening, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and death. Participants will hear about regional and statewide efforts to achieve equity in cancer outcomes.