Health Equity
Maryland hospitals aim to create environments that prioritize culturally competent and patient-centered care.
Our Commitment to Health Equity
Inequities in access to health care, as well as in the quality and outcomes of care, are detrimental to the health of our whole community. As hospitals work to address social needs of individual patients and challenges in their communities, it is evident that better access to housing, food, and transportation is crucial to improving people’s health.
Guided by a steadfast dedication to inclusive and accessible care, Maryland hospitals are dismantling systemic barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Through ongoing initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and a focus on social determinants of health, Maryland hospitals strive to ensure that every person has equitable access to high-quality health care.
The Maryland Hospital Association (MHA) supports our members’ work to advance health equity and combat disparities. MHA convenes the member-led Health Equity Advisory Committee (HEAC) to address social determinants of health and strengthen diversity and inclusion in the hospital and health system workforce.
Health Equity Advisory Committee
The Committee focuses on improving workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion, and increasing health equity for all Marylanders. The Committee supports fieldwide efforts to build cultural competency to deliver excellent patient care and address clinical inequalities contributing to outcome differences. Members aim to understand and improve social determinants of health, hospital culture, communication with marginalized communities, and health policy.
Health Equity Advisory Committee Meeting
The Health Equity Advisory Committee meeting will take place from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. virtually on Zoom. Members will receive meeting notices and materials in advance.
Meeting Materials
Health Equity Measures and Standards
The Healthcare Association of New York State’s Health Equity Measures and Standards tool provides health equity and hospital quality experts with key information on the measures, performance standards, timelines, and other details that are grouped into 15 health equity topic areas. This interactive tool allows users to search for measures and standards that affect hospitals.
Building Toward Health Equity: A Report on Maryland Hospitals’ Progress
MHA’s report showcases our collective efforts to achieve health equity.
