11 Jun The Time is Now to Meaningfully Address Racial Inequity in Health Care

Statement by Jeff Micklos, Executive Director, Health Care Transformation Task Force

“The killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer is the latest racial injustice that our country has witnessed. This unnecessary death occurs at a time when over 110,000 people have died from the COVID-19 virus, which is more than three times more fatal for Black Americans than White Americans. 

The Health Care Transformation Task Force strives to accelerate transformation to a health care system that provides equitable care and value to all people. Such a system must effectively address the social determinants of health that have contributed for decades to poor health outcomes for people of color. We are strongly committed to advancing a system that promotes health care equity and addresses structural and systemic bias and racism. 

During this difficult time, the Task Force team has stood together, supported each other, and discussed paths forward to a better nation. The Task Force will honor the memory of George Floyd and the countless others who have experienced similar fates through a continued push for racial equity and justice in health care that results in healthier lives for people of color. We will demand meaningful change. We will not be silent.”

About the Health Care Transformation Task Force

Health Care Transformation Task Force is a unique collaboration of patients, payers, providers and purchasers working to lead a sweeping transformation of the health care system. By transitioning to value-based models that support better health, better care and lower costs, the Task Force is committed to accelerating the transformation to value in health care.