Published on November 28, 2023

LMH Health receives Health Equity Innovation Award

LMH Health is excited to announce that we are the recipient of the inaugural Health Equity Innovation Award from KFMC Health Improvement Partners. The award was presented to LMH at the second annual KFMC Health Equity Summit held October 27, 2023.

The Health Equity Innovation Award recognizes organizations or individuals who have created and implemented new and inventive ways to reduce health disparities and promote health equity in their community. These innovations can include technology-based solutions, Community Health Worker programs, culturally tailored interventions, social determinants of health interventions, collaborative partnerships, and more.

“LMH Health is excited to be recognized as the inaugural recipient of the Health Equity Innovation Award – it is a tremendous honor,” said Erica Hill, Director, Health Equity, Inclusion and Diversity at LMH Health. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside some of the most engaged employees that are dedicated to ensuring LMH Health is an inclusive and welcoming place, not only for patients, but for their fellow employees.”

Nominees were evaluated by a panel of independent judges from various sectors that are affected by health disparities and inequities. The seven Kansas healthcare organizations nominated for the award include:

LMH Health was selected to receive the award based on factors including impact on health disparities, reach and accessibility, cultural competence, sustainability and scalability, and collaboration and partnerships. Leslie Rials, vice-chair of the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Impact Advisors, said receiving the Health Equity Innovation Award is an acknowledgment of the commitment and work of the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity teams.

“It is great to be recognized for the progress this team has made working on and promoting health equity,” she said. “Although it is challenging at times and there is still work to be done, I continue to have a passion to do the work. As we continue, I hope more will be willing and encouraged to join us in the work. There is strength in numbers.”

Pioneering initiatives in health equity

The Health Equity Advancement Team (HEAT) collaborates with Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, utilizing the department’s health equity report to identify and prioritize initiatives based on the needs of specific populations. For example, the Office of Health Equity Advancement, Education and IT departments implemented an initiative to use patients’ preferred pronouns on patient wristbands, demonstrating a commitment to patient-centered care and inclusivity.

Cultural competence and humility are ingrained in LMH Health’s practices. Cultural humility training sessions, mandatory continuing medical education for physicians and providers on social and racial influences on healthcare, and health equity-focused onboarding sessions for all new members of the Board of Trustees are some of the initiatives underway. Our Health Equity Advancement dashboard, adopted by Trustees, ensures that health equity is at the forefront, championed at the highest levels of the organization.

Community engagement and collaboration

LMH Health actively engages with the community to promote health equity. Teams attend community events, lead a remote monitoring program for patients living with chronic disease, and support services such as mammograms and medication assistance. Community Outreach and Engagement events specifically target marginalized populations through the LMH Health Foundation.

“It’s so exciting to see LMH Health receive this first-ever Health Equity Innovation Award. It says a lot about the stakeholders in this initiative - the employees and community members who have invested their time and support. It holds us all accountable for our behaviors,” said health equity engagement officer Patty Villanueva.

Diversity and inclusivity for a brighter future

LMH Health’s Summer Leadership Academy exemplifies our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. This program offers an eight-week opportunity for healthcare leadership and professional development to students from traditionally underrepresented demographics in healthcare. The Academy fosters economic upward mobility, decreases local health disparities and cultivates a workforce that mirrors the communities it serves.

“Equity work is heart work and it is hard work. This team has persevered over the past several years and as a result, our work has made a positive impact across the organization and in the community,” Hill said. “When you’re on the frontlines focused on doing the work, sometimes it’s hard to see how far you’ve come. This award acknowledges the meaningful work that we’ve done to ensure LMH Health is a partner for lifelong health – for everyone.”