Health Equity
Unfortunately, health inequities are a sad reality in the United States health care system. Together with the inheritable blood and bleeding disorders community and partners, NBDF is working to elevate the voice of lived experience experts (LEEs), to create equitable access to care and quality treatments by communicating and encouraging cultural humility from providers throughout the continuum of care.
By committing to the cause of health equity through a variety of efforts, including, but not limited to: bi-annual health equity summits (on even years), community roundtables (on odd years), training of HEDI champions consisting of NBDF staff, a robust option of Employee Resource Groups for employees to choose from, providing technical assistance (trainings, presentations, translation, etc.) both internally and externally as requested, implementation of our 10 year plan strategically focusing on five priority populations.
Explore this page to learn more.
Sadly, many individuals are impacted by health inequities daily. This includes but is not limited to Hispanic/Latino patients, Black or African American patients, Indigenous patients, immigrant populations, LGBTQIA+ individuals, rural patients, and more.
Studies have shown that implicit bias among health care providers puts certain patients – such as women, low income, or African American patients – at risk for misdiagnosis, ineffective treatments, and compromised care. For many communities facing health inequalities, these challenges often stem from longstanding inequities both within and beyond the health system.
In addition, federally funded research practices have just recently begun to account for health inequities in the last few decades, since women and people of color weren’t legally required to be included in clinical trials until the early 1990s.
In addition to various programs and resources centered around health equity, diversity, and inclusion, the foundation is focusing on several principles of health equity including but not limited to: amplifying the public health issues of sexism, racism, and other forms of bias; working to include the participation of historically underrepresented populations within clinical trials; and supporting legislation that promotes affordable and culturally responsive health care.
There are many ways to get involved, including but not limited to:
- Join the Health Equity Task Force to help plan community roundtables and future health equity summits. Collaborate and contribute with stakeholders to ensure that you advocate for what you believe is important and necessary for our community. Limit 2 persons per family
- Sign up to become an NBDF advocate and learn how to share the importance of health equity with your elected officials
- Sign up for NBDF emails to stay up to date with the latest HEDI news
- Subscribe to HemAware to receive a free bi-yearly magazine
- Share relevant posts on social media – click the links to repost NBDF content on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram
Employee Diversity
The foundation recognized that in order to commit to DEIBA principles while serving the community, an internal commitment must be adhered to as well. An official commitment to DEIBA principles for its staff and has incorporated the following value statements into our work:
Diversity – We recognize and value diverse experiences of our employees and those we serve. We strive to ensure that our team is reflective of the communities that we serve.
Equity – We recognize inequities exist for marginalized groups and this directly contributes to disparities in access, treatment, and opportunities for those we serve. We strive to create an environment where equity exists, and our communities and employees thrive.
Inclusion – We recognize the importance of valuing and belonging. We strive to make space for policies, processes, and efforts where our employees and community are valued and included.
Belonging – We acknowledge that belonging looks different for individuals based on their unique identities and overlapping experiences (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation). We commit to addressing the unique barriers faced by people at the intersections of multiple identities.
Accessibility – We are committed to creating an environment, programs, and practices that prioritize equal opportunities and inclusivity for all employees, including those with disabilities (both apparent and non-apparent), neurodivergence, and other needs.
Additionally, there are guiding DEIBA principles for employees to rely upon. Click here to read a PDF detailing these principles.
To better help employees understand their diverse experiences and build respect for one another, the foundation has also established Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that are open to all employees and create safe spaces to exchange shared experiences. Here’s a glimpse into some of the organization's ERGs:
- Asian Pacific Islander Heritage and Allies
- Black Heritage and Allies
- Crafts & Things
- Foodies & Scrubbies
- Get Moving
- Hispanic/Latino Heritage and Allies
- Indigenous Peoples and Allies
- LGBTQIA+ and Allies
- Parents & Guardians
- People with Disabilities, Caregivers, and Allies
- TV & Film Buffs
HEDI Champions Program
Our HEDI champions consist of NBDF staff who are self-nominated to be a part of the program. The goal of the program is to train our champions to ensure that Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the forefront of everything they do on behalf of NBDF.
If a person is interested in attending future Health Equity Summits, please click here.
HEDI Trainings/Presentations
Wednesday Webinar: Department's 10 year plan Setting the Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Agenda for NBDF
Wednesday Webinar: Increasing Health Equity IQ
Start the Conversation: How to Engage Unengaged Communities
NBDF's Opening Ceremony for the Bleeding Disorders Conference in Atlanta, GA!
HEDI Related Resources Across Departments at NBDF
- Spanish Translation
- This is the Publications Page filtered by Spanish and it has the most recent at the top: Publications for Individuals with Bleeding Disorders | NBDF
- Steps for Living is completely revamped and launched in both English and Spanish at the same time. Here is the Spanish link to hundreds of pages of content! Vivir con un trastorno hemorrágico: Guía para todas las etapas de la vida | Steps For Living
- Clotting Cascade videos in Spanish. Clotting Cascade | NBDF
- This is the Publications Page filtered by Spanish and it has the most recent at the top: Publications for Individuals with Bleeding Disorders | NBDF
- WGPPM
- WGPPM Summit White Paper is still relevant and driving our work.
- The Journey to Know program was relaunched and is also available in Spanish. This 3-month program supports and educates women on their path to diagnosis.
- WGPPM Summit White Paper is still relevant and driving our work.
- NYLI
- Here is the link to our current cohort: Meet the NYLI: National Youth Leadership Institute | NBDF
- Financial Assistance Programs
- HemAware Articles
- “Collaborative Learning Exchange” with CDC
