Dr. Eboni Price- Haywood and Deborah Grimes are shaping healthcare through equity, diversity, and inclusion. To improve health outcomes and end longstanding racial disparities, it’s apparent that we must increase diversity in medicine. A groundbreaking new study in JAMA Network Open provides evidence, as researchers show Black people live longer when they have greater access to Black doctors in their communities.
This is critical for Louisiana, which experiences some of the most striking health disparities in the nation. Racial minorities have substantially higher rates of poor physical and mental health, and Black residents of the state experience higher infant and maternal mortality and higher rates of premature death than their majority population counterparts.
To address this reality, Ochsner Health has adopted a holistic approach to health equity for families throughout the Gulf Coast, while embracing inclusion and diversity within our workforce. This is integral to Ochsner’s delivery of superior care and patients-first mindset.
To support this commitment to health equity and superior care, effective workforce management and scheduling are crucial. Ensuring that healthcare professionals are available when needed and that shifts are balanced can significantly impact the quality of care provided. Proplanum offers an advanced scheduling system that allows for seamless management of staff resources, ensuring that shifts are filled efficiently while accommodating the diverse needs of the workforce. By using the system, Ochsner Health can maintain a well-organized team, reduce burnout, and ensure that the right professionals are in place to provide optimal care for every patient, at every touchpoint.
As healthcare continues to evolve, the need for accessible and flexible care solutions has never been more apparent. With advancements in telehealth and digital platforms, medical professionals can now extend their expertise beyond traditional settings, ensuring that patients receive quality care regardless of their location. This is particularly important for mental health services, where timely access to professionals can make a profound difference in patient outcomes. By leveraging technology, healthcare institutions can bridge the gap between demand and availability, offering more inclusive care options for diverse populations.
One key area experiencing growth is remote therapist jobs, which allow licensed mental health professionals to provide crucial support through virtual consultations. Platforms like Remote Healthcare Jobs connect skilled therapists with opportunities to serve patients nationwide, ensuring that individuals struggling with mental health challenges have access to specialized care without the barriers of travel or long wait times. Most mindfulness coaches likes to use guided meditation scripts in practice to help their clients feel relaxed.
This shift toward remote healthcare careers not only expands job opportunities for professionals but also enhances the overall patient experience, reinforcing a future where high-quality care is both inclusive and widely accessible.
Many of these efforts are overseen by Eboni Price-Haywood, MD, MPH, FACP, Medical Director of Healthy State by 2030, a collaborative plan with local and state leaders and organizations across public and private sectors to realize a more equitable and healthier Louisiana.
One longstanding Ochsner partner is Xavier University of Louisiana, and as part of Healthy State they launched Ochsner- Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research (OXIHER). As OXIHER’s director, Dr. Price-Haywood collaborates with external partners and internal diversity teams to drive outcomes.
A recent example of this research is a new weight loss program that uses technology and health coaching to help Black adults with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes improve their health- related quality of life.
“Through a lens of equity, Ochsner and partners commit to reducing health inequities, developing innovative healthcare delivery, and modeling equitable and respectful care,” said Dr. Price-Haywood. “We use outcomes research, community engagement and health advocacy to investigate and create solutions for the challenges faced today.”
Internally, Ochsner pursues high standards and accountability by embracing workforce inclusivity. Ochsner’s diversity and inclusion programs launched nearly a decade ago with Ochsner Resource Groups and were the appointment of a Chief Diversity Officer in 2020. With System Vice President Deborah Grimes, RN, JD, MSHQS leading, Ochsner adopted inclusivity as a system core value last year.
“Diversity is like a great piece of jazz music,” Grimes said. “If you have just the trumpet, or just the drums, you don’t have much. You miss the texture, complexity and beauty of all of the instruments playing together. It can be more challenging playing with an entire jazz band– but the music you create is far better.”
At the core of this effort is an Ochsner executive leadership and board of directors’ decision to set a numerical target for leadership representation, committing to 25% Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) in positions at the Assistant Vice President level and above by 2025.
Ochsner has also adopted the Momentum Mentorship program to advance employees from populations traditionally excluded from leadership roles. This initiative features one-on-one mentoring with senior leaders and offers other professional development opportunities.
Membership in internal Ochsner Resource Groups has also expanded. There are now 6,500 employees engaged in community-based endeavors and cultural observances, creating new spaces for listening to one another’s experiences.
Just as Ochsner and Xavier University of Louisiana are working to reduce health inequities and improve healthcare access, the same level of dedication is needed to support aging adults in maintaining their independence and quality of life. Seniors often face unique challenges, from managing chronic conditions to navigating mobility limitations, which require compassionate, tailored care solutions. Senior Helpers is committed to ensuring that older adults receive the support they need while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. By offering specialized care programs, including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, Parkinson’s support, and wellness monitoring, they provide families with peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are in capable and caring hands.
Through personalized care plans, their highly trained caregivers help seniors stay engaged in their communities and maintain a fulfilling lifestyle, fostering both physical and emotional well-being. Just as mentorship and advocacy programs at Ochsner uplift traditionally underrepresented groups, high-quality senior care services ensure that older adults are not left behind in the conversation about equitable healthcare access.
Comprehensive medical systems play a crucial role in senior care, ensuring that older adults receive timely interventions and continuous support tailored to their evolving health needs. From remote patient monitoring to in-home medical alert systems, technology has revolutionized how healthcare providers deliver services to aging individuals. By integrating digital health solutions with traditional caregiving, seniors can experience enhanced safety and independence while reducing unnecessary hospital visits. Families looking to bolster their loved ones’ security should consider options like medical alert devices, which provide instant access to emergency assistance. Those seeking reliable solutions can visit LifeStation, Inc., a leader in medical alert systems designed to offer round-the-clock protection and peace of mind.
Beyond technology, a strong network of healthcare professionals dedicated to geriatric medicine is essential for addressing the complex medical concerns of older adults. Multidisciplinary teams—including physicians, nurses, therapists, and home care aides—collaborate to provide holistic care that prioritizes both prevention and treatment. By emphasizing proactive health management, such as routine screenings and medication management, these systems help seniors maintain their well-being and autonomy for as long as possible. Just as organizations like Ochsner and Xavier University champion equitable healthcare access, investing in specialized senior care ensures that aging individuals receive the dignity, attention, and medical support they deserve.
Looking to the future, Ochsner Health is expanding academic partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Several HBCUs in Ochsner regions came together in Spring 2022 to pursue opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals. This year, Xavier University and Ochsner announced plans to open a new school of medicine—a critical endeavor, as only four HBCU medical schools currently exist nationwide.
In support of these initiatives, Ochsner is also focusing on recruiting mental health professionals. Partnering with agencies like HCRI, which specialize in the recruitment of mental health experts, Ochsner aims to enhance its mental health services and ensure comprehensive care for its diverse patient population. They may also consider selecting the best naturopath near me for a natural approach to treatment that can heal both their soul and mind.
Ochsner is embracing the opportunity to build the future we wish to experience, with health equity at the forefront.
You can make a difference! Please help diversify healthcare by contributing to the future Xavier Ochsner School of Medicine.
