Ending Racism Partnership Panel of Health Experts Addresses Ways to Further Health Equity in Philadelphia and Society

PHILADELPHIA, June 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Top regional health experts gathered before a virtual audience of nearly 400 at the "Blueprint to End Racism ? Health Equity" panel discussions hosted by the Ending Racism Partnership (Partnership), a collaborative effort co-convened by the Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC) and Independence Blue Cross (Independence).

The event is the second in a series that aims to advance regional discussions of racism and to provide updates about the work of the Partnership, aimed at accelerating change across community-identified areas where embedded racism continues to create disparities: healthcare, education, jobs, housing, criminal justice, and art and culture. The timely topic of health equity kicks off the second phase of the Partnership's work, which is focused on establishing priorities for healing and rebuilding from systemic racism.

Speakers joining Partnership leaders included Denise Johnson, M.D., acting Pennsylvania physician general; Cheryl Bettigole, M.D., M.P.H., acting Philadelphia health commissioner; and Larry Eichel, senior adviser, Philadelphia Research and Policy Initiative, Pew Charitable Trusts; as well as clinical and health policy experts from Independence Blue Cross, Drexel and Temple Universities.

In the first of two panels, "Understanding Race and Racism in Philadelphia," participants examined some of the results from the Partnership's regional sentiment survey, which engaged more than 3,400 citizens in providing firsthand accounts of their perceptions of racism and its impact on their lives. Pew Charitable Trusts provided guidance on best practices for the distribution of the survey, which was also available in Spanish and Chinese, to the community.

Criminal justice, education, and housing were identified as the top three areas where survey respondents believe racism exists in Philadelphia, followed by employment, wealth, health, and arts and culture. However, they overwhelmingly agreed that people across different race categories do not have equal access or equal opportunities.

"The multifaceted perspectives reflected in the survey demonstrate the growing awareness of how race is playing out in our daily lives," said Arun Prabhakaran, UAC's executive vice president, who summarized the survey findings. "They validate the reason the Partnership exists as a movement to educate the public and establish new narratives going forward."

Survey respondents' recommendations to end racism elevated three high-level themes:

1. More honest public discourse about racism;
2. Policy change with a reform agenda in every area where racism exists, particularly in criminal justice, education, and housing;
3. Increased fiscal investments allocated to initiatives that advance the quality of life and well-being of Black/African-American residents in Philadelphia, and other historically marginalized communities and people of color.

The survey results will inform the Partnership's third and fourth phases which are aimed at developing steps for implementation, measurement, and accountability toward ending racism in Philadelphia.

During the second panel, "An Equitable Health System," the health experts explored the work being done in the region to address equity in healthcare. Areas for action include fully harnessing the use of data to drive targeted initiatives, accelerating culturally competent care, and maximizing the role of trusted sources in the community.

"2020 brought forward the effects of racism and inequity in America, and there is real momentum for our work," said Stephen P. Fera, executive vice president of Public Affairs at Independence Blue Cross and panel moderator. "Together, we are creating a forum for honest dialogue and an action plan to guide us toward our shared goal of an equitable future."

"It's our turn to learn, inform, inspire, and lift up the next generation of people to continue the fight to end racism," said Sharmain Matlock-Turner, UAC's president and CEO and Partnership co-chair. "Our work today will help us do that. We can get there if we stay connected and committed. Let's fight this together."

The full Ending Racism Survey report and data set are available on the Partnership's website and the recorded webinar is available on UAC's YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/EFovxmuxCg4.

The Ending Racism Partnership is a citywide, participatory collaboration of Philadelphia residents, leaders, and influencers from community, business, government, and philanthropy to end racial injustice and economic inequality, starting with our city. The Partnership is chaired by Sharmain Matlock-Turner, president and CEO, Urban Affairs Coalition; Stephen P. Fera, executive vice president of Public Affairs, Independence Blue Cross; and Rev. Dr. Mark Tyler, Pastor, Mother Bethel AME Church, and supported by a Steering Committee of 25+ leaders representing cross-sections of power in Philadelphia.

For more information and to get involved, visit www.endingracismpartnership.org.

Contact:
Laura Feragen
Jacobson Strategic Communications
[email protected]
267-262-4309   

Brandon Johnson
Urban Affairs Coalition
[email protected]
215-851-1931

SOURCE Independence Blue Cross