Medical institutions can — and should — advance health equity

Health equity has become a buzzword in medical institutions and health care organizations, especially when it comes to rural communities. But too often, the conversations don't move past the talking stage.

Rural communities face unique challenges, from limited access to health care to higher rates of chronic diseases. Many of these issues are driven by social and environmental factors that create persistent inequities. As a Black woman working and living in rural South Georgia, and as someone deeply engaged in community relations at the intersection of health care and education, I have witnessed firsthand the power of community partnerships to address these disparities.

Dismantling the systems that sustain health inequities may seem overwhelming. But one thing is clear — groups that build strong, meaningful community partnerships are better positioned to make real progress.

The National Academies of Sciences emphasizes that when medical education institutions partner with local organizations, the health outcomes for both individuals and communities improve significantly. Medical institutions — with their economic, intellectual and labor resources — have a unique opportunity to drive transformative change through these collaborations.

Improving access to care

At the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) South Georgia, we have taken this to heart. Through our Office of Diversity and Community Relations with an internal partnership with the Community Wellness Initiative, we collaborate with organizations across the South Georgia region to bring essential health care and education to underserved communities.

Our partnerships also create opportunities for future physicians. Since 2016, there has been an 85% increase in DO graduates staying in Georgia for their residencies, strengthening the local health care workforce. Our collaborations with groups such as the Georgia chapters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and local churches allow us to meet the specific medical needs of the communities we serve. Without these efforts, we wouldn’t be as well equipped to address the unique challenges our rural populations face.

Enhancing health education

At the core of PCOM’s osteopathic philosophy is humility and a commitment to lifelong learning. We demonstrate this through programs like the Community-Based Faculty Fellowship, which funds faculty partnerships with local organizations, and the Opportunities Academy, which introduces high school students in South Georgia to health care careers. These programs unite students, educators and community members, deepening the understanding of health equity across South Georgia.

Cultural humility is essential to addressing health disparities in rural communities, ensuring that health care providers are responsive to the unique needs of diverse populations. At PCOM South Georgia, we demonstrate this commitment through our partnership with the Ellenton Farm Worker Family Health Program, specifically, the Georgia Ellenton Farmworker Health Clinic, which provides essential health care to migrant workers and their families. Georgia’s $13.8 billion agricultural industry relies heavily on these seasonal workers, yet nearly a quarter of them face chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

This fall through an additional partnership with the Sunbelt Ag Expo, we have established PCOM Rural Health Initiative, where the Georgia Ellenton Clinic will provide health education about migrant workers and their families to farmers from across North America. This initiative not only offers critical health care but also fosters deeper connections with the community, allowing us to continuously learn and improve in our efforts to promote health equity.

Fostering trust in underserved communities

When pursuing health equity, we must prioritize trust, advocacy and social responsibility. At PCOM South Georgia, we encourage our students to actively engage in policy development because not all communities can advocate for themselves. Through hybrid educational programs and partnerships with national osteopathic organizations, students learn to address systemic health disparities and bring about policy changes that matter.

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Communication in Healthcare underscores the importance of community and patient involvement in building trust in health information. Younger populations in particular need early engagement. That’s why programs like our Junior Brothers and Sisters in Medicine are so critical. By fostering interest in medical careers among underrepresented middle school and high school students, we provide mentorship, education and hands-on experiences. These efforts not only strengthen our community connections but also invest in the future of health care by cultivating the next generation of culturally responsive physicians.

Building community partnerships to close gaps in health equity, especially in rural areas, empowers local communities to shape their own health outcomes and encourages larger scale collaborations across sectors. It’s one thing to talk about health equity, but it’s only through action and partnership that we can make real, lasting progress.

The time for change is now! Together, we can ensure a healthier future for all.

References:

• Communities in action: Pathways to health equity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425859. Published Jan. 11, 2017. Accessed Dec. 16, 2024.
• Community-based research faculty fellowship. https://www.pcom.edu/research/research-areas/community-based-research.html. Accessed Dec. 16, 2024.
• Georgia Farmworker Health Program: Health services needs assessment. https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/data/dlg/ggpd/pdfs/dlg_ggpd_s-ga-bc900-pr8-bm1-b2019-bf3-belec-p-btext.pdf. Accessed Dec. 16, 2024.
• PCOM South Georgia diversity programs. https://www.pcom.edu/about/departments/diversity/our-programs/pcom-south-georgia-diversity-programs.html. Accessed Dec. 16, 2024.
• PCOM South Georgia Opportunities Academy. https://www.pcom.edu/about/departments/diversity/our-programs/opportunities-academy/south-georgia.html. Accessed Dec. 16, 2024.
• Schiavo R. J Commun Healthc. 2022;doi:10.1080/17538068.2022.2145023.
• Sunbelt Ag Expo. https://sunbeltexpo.com/. Accessed Dec. 16, 2024.
• What is an osteopath? Georgia school’s graduates caring for rural counties. https://www.ajc.com/news/health-news/what-is-an-osteopath-georgia-schools-graduates-caring-for-rural-counties/VTW2NWQ4BFG6PMANP5JGAUXNQM/. Published Sept. 22, 2023. Accessed Dec. 16, 2024.