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March 15, 2022
CEO of National Nonprofit Makes “Business Case” for Investing in BIPOC Communities to Achieve Health Equity
Highlighting racism as a public health crisis, Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, president and CEO of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health – a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system – led a presentation at SXSW this weekend on health equity, in which she made the “business case” for scalable investments in community-driven health solutions by and for communities of color.
“Our health care system doesn’t work for everyone because it wasn’t built for everyone. From maternal health to oral health, people of color have been experiencing worse health outcomes than their white counterparts for generations,” said Dr. Minter-Jordan of CareQuest Institute. “While models that successfully engage these communities in solutions to address inequity are rare, there has never been a better moment — from a moral and a business perspective — to truly invest in communities of color. Scalable and sustainable investments that meaningfully engage historically marginalized people will help create a system that is fairer and more equitable, providing a path forward to transforming our health care system to work better for everyone.”
SXSW is one of the world's premier events and brings thousands of people to Austin, Texas each year to showcase music, film and interactive media. Dr. Minter-Jordan’s session was part of SXSW’s Health & MedTech Track, which is centered on how social and technological changes are impacting one of the world’s largest industries.
During her presentation, Dr. Minter-Jordan discussed the systemic racism that impacts every aspect of our society, including health care, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these inequities. Dr. Minter-Jordan argued that this environment has never been stronger for business investment in new models, technologies, and services that are informed and led by BIPOC communities and address social determinants of health.
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About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in grantmaking, research, health improvement programs, policy and advocacy, and education as well as our leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders, to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit carequest.org and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.