Is ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to achieve their highest level of health.
At DHR Health, we align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's definition of health equity, which emphasizes fairness and justice in health outcomes. We believe that achieving health equity requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges and addresses the unique needs of each person and community.
Since our inception in 1997, DHR Health has been at the forefront of health equity efforts in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). We are dedicated to reducing health disparities and in 2023, we elevated health equity to a strategic priority.
We have a designated health equity officer and are actively spearheading initiatives both within DHR Health and throughout the RGV community. Our goal is not only to provide excellent healthcare but also to ensure that it is accessible and equitable for all.
DHR Health serves a diverse patient population across all four counties of the Rio Grande Valley. To better understand the communities, we serve, here's a snapshot of the RGV demographics:
Families Below Poverty: 25.16%
Population Age 25+ with Less than a High School Graduation: 31.41%
These statistics highlight the socioeconomic challenges that many individuals and families in our community face. By acknowledging these realities, we are better equipped to tailor our services and programs to meet the diverse needs of our patients.
Health equity requires ongoing dedication and collaboration. At DHR Health, we are committed to advancing health equity, within our facilities and in partnership with the community we serve. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable future for all.
The Rio Grande Valley faces many health care disparities such as rates of diabetes, obesity, and cervical cancer. Health care disparities happen when certain groups of people don’t get the same chances to get and stay healthy as other groups of people.
To fix these problems, DHR Health is asking more questions about race, ethnicity, language (written and spoken), sexual orientation, and gender identity. Everything that a patient shares is private, protected by law, and kept in your medical record.
The answers give us more data about our diverse patient population and helps us improve the quality of care we give to each patient.
We want to make sure each patient gets the best care possible. These questions help us:
DHR Health staff members at registration will ask these questions. Every staff member that asks these questions have been trained to ask these questions.
You do not have to answer them and it will not affect your care.
The information we gather serves a crucial purpose: to enhance the care we provide to every patient. By collecting this data, we can identify if certain groups, are facing higher rates of disease or injury compared to others. This insight allows us to deepen our understanding of our patient population and collaborate with the community to address these disparities.
For instance, if Spanish-speaking patients are experiencing more hospital-acquired conditions like infections than English-speaking patients, we can take action. We may choose to increase the number of interpreters available and provide additional education and training to our staff on effective communication and patient care for Spanish-speaking individuals.
Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that every patient and our entire community can achieve their highest level of health possible. Through data-driven initiatives and collaborative efforts, we strive to create a healthcare environment that is inclusive, responsive, and supportive of everyone's well-being.
Only DHR Health Staff who are involved in your care will see your responses to these questions. Everything that you share is private, protected by law, and is kept in your medical record. This means that your responses will never be shared with anyone other than medical staff.
