Hospitals are increasing their efforts to lower health disparities in underserved communities. According to an analysis published in New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Catalyst, hospitals around the United States have achieved this goal through various strategies. For example, some hospitals specifically concentrate on healthcare whereas other hospitals choose more indirect routes, such as determining how social needs affect health. According to the authors, the latter results in broader benefits for the community at large, as banding together with community partners produces enduring success. This strategy also helps hospitals to improve their brand’s reputation and, in turn, possibly their financial health as well.

One example of note in the analysis is Boston Medical Center’s StreetCred program. Over 6,000 families have benefitted from receiving more than $14 million in tax refunds thanks to StreetCred, which assists low-income families with filing tax returns and claim refunds associated with hospital visits. Since its inception in 2016, StreetCred has amassed a community-outreach coalition of 24 health and financial services organizations within 10 states and Washington, DC. NEJM Catalyst authors cite South Dakota-based Sanford Health as an example. Focusing on low-income pregnant women, Sanford rewarded participants with points when they selected healthy options in areas such as prenatal care and nutrition. The program was a success and greatly benefitted indigenous communities in the Sioux Falls region. Another example noted by the authors was that of Be Well Fox Valley in Wisconsin, whose program fused 19 health systems to create a health and philanthropy cooperative designed to improve the state of community health via areas like nutrition. For instance, Be Well Fox Valley offered a 13-week program that offered patients with diabetes an opportunity to receive complementary diet-friendly meals.

According to the NEJM Catalyst authors, one significant strategy for creating a program that successfully reduces health disparities is making sure to periodically evaluate the program’s results. Simply wanting to reduce health disparities does not automatically ensure success in doing so. Sometimes amping up efforts in one area or trimming back resources in another may be warranted. For example, when StreetCred leaders noticed that some locations weren’t assisting enough low-income patients, they chose to close those locations and reallocate resources to better-suited sites.

To successfully reduce health disparities, it’s extremely beneficial when hospitals listen to their healthcare workers. Given that hospital employees are on the frontlines with patients, they can provide crucial insight. Another strategy noted by NEJM Catalyst authors is collaboration among community organizations, including financial institutions. Hospitals should also bear in mind the significant return on investment involved in efforts to reduce health disparities. Surveys are a crucial piece of the puzzle, as they provide an invaluable profile of a community’s needs. Ultimately, however, surveys must be followed by actions taken by healthcare systems to enact change.