Geisinger receives "Innovation in Advancing Health Equity" award
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Geisinger has been honored by the National Business Group for its ongoing commitment to promote health equity and reduce health care disparities in the workplace.
Geisinger was presented with “Innovation in Advancing Health Equity Awards” at the National Business Group on Health’s 2018 Business Health Agenda conference on Thursday, March 19. Atrium Health’s Levine Cancer Institute and UnitedHealth Group were also honored.
Geisinger has moved beyond traditional medical care with programs designed to improve patients’ economic and housing stability, food security, education, transportation and environmental conditions.
“Looking beyond the traditional walls of a hospital or clinic is so important as we implement strategies to improve the health of our communities,” said Janet Tomcavage, Geisinger’s chief population health officer. “We recognize the power that comes with aligning with our community partners in solving the challenges that coincide with the social determinants.”
Geisinger’s Fresh Food Farmacy is an example of the innovative programs it has developed to address the social determinants of health. By providing fresh, healthy food and nutrition education to those most in need, Geisinger is combating high obesity rates, pre-diabetes and diabetes. The goal is to empower participants to manage their medical conditions through food-related behavioral change.
In addition to providing enough healthy food for 10 meals a week to feed an entire family, free of charge, Geisinger’s Fresh Food Farmacy also offers evidence-based diabetes management and a comprehensive suite of education, outreach services, nutritional consultations, case management, medication management, cooking expos and healthy recipes.
Geisinger is also conducting two pilot programs that will subsidize the cost of transportation options for clinical and non-clinical but health-related activities. These include obtaining counseling or other social services, getting to food banks, grocery stores, and pharmacies, and applying for government benefits.
Geisinger also runs a community-wide program to quickly re-house homeless individuals, including young people and entire families, including those fleeing domestic violence.
“We are thrilled to recognize Geisinger for its support and dedication to advance health equity through workplace and community initiatives,” said Brian Marcotte, president and CEO of the National Business Group on Health. “By addressing health equity and disparities, Geisinger is improving the value, quality and effectiveness of the services their employees and the surrounding communities receive.”
About the National Business Group on Health®
The National Business Group on Health is the nation’s only non-profit organization devoted exclusively to representing large employers’ perspective on national health policy issues and helping companies optimize business performance through health improvement, innovation and health care management. The Business Group leads initiatives to address the most relevant health care issues facing employers today and enables human resource and benefit leaders to learn, share and leverage best practices from the most progressive companies. Business Group members, which include 72 Fortune 100 companies, provide health coverage for more than 50 million U.S. workers, retirees and their families. For more information, visit www.businessgrouphealth.org.
Geisinger was presented with “Innovation in Advancing Health Equity Awards” at the National Business Group on Health’s 2018 Business Health Agenda conference on Thursday, March 19. Atrium Health’s Levine Cancer Institute and UnitedHealth Group were also honored.
Geisinger has moved beyond traditional medical care with programs designed to improve patients’ economic and housing stability, food security, education, transportation and environmental conditions.
“Looking beyond the traditional walls of a hospital or clinic is so important as we implement strategies to improve the health of our communities,” said Janet Tomcavage, Geisinger’s chief population health officer. “We recognize the power that comes with aligning with our community partners in solving the challenges that coincide with the social determinants.”
Geisinger’s Fresh Food Farmacy is an example of the innovative programs it has developed to address the social determinants of health. By providing fresh, healthy food and nutrition education to those most in need, Geisinger is combating high obesity rates, pre-diabetes and diabetes. The goal is to empower participants to manage their medical conditions through food-related behavioral change.
In addition to providing enough healthy food for 10 meals a week to feed an entire family, free of charge, Geisinger’s Fresh Food Farmacy also offers evidence-based diabetes management and a comprehensive suite of education, outreach services, nutritional consultations, case management, medication management, cooking expos and healthy recipes.
Geisinger is also conducting two pilot programs that will subsidize the cost of transportation options for clinical and non-clinical but health-related activities. These include obtaining counseling or other social services, getting to food banks, grocery stores, and pharmacies, and applying for government benefits.
Geisinger also runs a community-wide program to quickly re-house homeless individuals, including young people and entire families, including those fleeing domestic violence.
“We are thrilled to recognize Geisinger for its support and dedication to advance health equity through workplace and community initiatives,” said Brian Marcotte, president and CEO of the National Business Group on Health. “By addressing health equity and disparities, Geisinger is improving the value, quality and effectiveness of the services their employees and the surrounding communities receive.”
About the National Business Group on Health®
The National Business Group on Health is the nation’s only non-profit organization devoted exclusively to representing large employers’ perspective on national health policy issues and helping companies optimize business performance through health improvement, innovation and health care management. The Business Group leads initiatives to address the most relevant health care issues facing employers today and enables human resource and benefit leaders to learn, share and leverage best practices from the most progressive companies. Business Group members, which include 72 Fortune 100 companies, provide health coverage for more than 50 million U.S. workers, retirees and their families. For more information, visit www.businessgrouphealth.org.
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