Session 4: Addressing Health Disparities and Racial Equity with Rob Fields, MD, Mount Sinai Health System and Lerla Joseph, MD, Central Virginia Coalition of Healthcare Providers

Race and ethnicity are frequently correlated with the presence of social and economic risk factors. Although addressing SDOH can improve health equity it is only one aspect of addressing racial and ethnic disparities in access to care and health outcomes. In this session two ACO leaders discussed the challenges of addressing long-standing and deeply embedded inequities in the US healthcare system. Among the issues discussed session was the need for a diverse clinical workforce and support for small practices where these clinicians can thrive, the need for a business case for addressing health equity and developing alliances with community organizations and local governments to begin breaking down structural determinants of racial inequity. Both speakers point to the ACO model as a platform for taking on the legacy of structural inequality and improving health for all patients.