Health Equity Research & Engagement

Our mission is to deliver equitable patient access, experiences and outcomes

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IU Health established the Office of Health Equity Research and Engagement (HERE) in 2021.

The office examines internal operations and clinical care through the lens of its diverse patients and communities.

Our focus is on equitable patient access, experiences and quality outcomes.

About Us

Purpose

Ensure every patient, particularly the historically excluded and underserved, experience IU Health as a physically and psychologically safe and welcoming place to receive high-quality care.

Values

We do so by focusing on data monitoring and transparency to enhance trustworthiness; rigor in research and evidence-based interventions to optimize effectiveness; and engagement with patients, communities, and stakeholders to increase responsiveness.

Mission

In doing so, we will deliver equitable patient access, experiences and outcomes.

Meet IU Health chief health equity officer Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, MD. "Part of this ... is bringing an equity lens [to the many] conversations that are happening."

What is health equity?

Health equity means that "everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible", according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "This requires removing obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and their consequences, including powerlessness and lack of access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education and housing, safe environments, and health care."

Priority Areas

Our goal is to address, impact and make lasting change in the societal, institutional and interpersonal health inequities in across Indiana. Our priority areas include:

  • Cardiovascular
  • Maternal/infant health
  • Behavioral health
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Our Priorities

What is health equity?

Health equity means that "everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible", according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "This requires removing obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and their consequences, including powerlessness and lack of access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education and housing, safe environments, and health care."

Priority Areas

Our goal is to address, impact and make lasting change in the societal, institutional and interpersonal health inequities in across Indiana. Our priority areas include:

  • Cardiovascular
  • Maternal/infant health
  • Behavioral health
HERE Banner v4

Our Work

Meet IU Health executive director for health equity Dr. Stacy Grundy. "I really feel like this is my ministry. For me public health is more than just a job."