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Advancing Health Equity in Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery

Author
Dr. Deann Butler
May 30, 2023

Health equity in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment means ensuring everyone has a fair opportunity to access quality care and achieve positive outcomes, regardless of their race, ethnicity, income, or location. This fundamental principle recognizes that different groups may need different resources and approaches to reach the same level of health and wellness.

Research clearly shows health disparities in addiction treatment and recovery outcomes. These health inequities are particularly evident in treatment access, insurance coverage, and socioeconomic disparities across different populations. For example:

Eleanor Health is committed to advancing health equity in substance use disorder treatment and recovery. That’s why we signed the Health Equity Pledge through the Health Evolution Forum. Signees of the pledge agree to collect REaL (Race, Ethnicity and Language) data for at least 50% of their organization’s patient, member or customer population; stratify and regularly review these collected data by the top-priority quality or access metric, for 90% of major business lines and/or departments/divisions of adequate size; and participate in the Health Evolution Health Equity Learning Lab by sharing stratified data for select measures to facilitate anonymized benchmarking and to identify best practices for reducing disparities. 

A key piece in understanding inequity involves collecting REaL and SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) data. The ultimate goal of REaL and SOGI data collection is to improve the quality of care and outcomes for all members, and to create a work environment that honors the intersectionality and experience of a person’s identity. By analyzing REaL and SOGI data, healthcare organizations can identify disparities in care, tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of diverse populations, and address systemic issues within the workforce. Ultimately, data collection is a key step in disrupting the status quo and advancing health equity for all. 

The Health Equity Pledge informs the strategy for our external work, but we did not stop there. In January 2023, we fulfilled a commitment to also collect this data within the company through employee self identification surveys. By collecting REaL data internally and externally, we are leading the way in implementing initiatives that go beyond surface-level solutions. This data is fundamental in putting Equity into Action in our decision making, research, quality improvement, policy and planning. It is instrumental in our internal DEIB strategy, employee engagement, performance and productivity. Lastly, it allows us to fully participate in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI) Pursuing Equity initiative and strive for National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Health Equity Accreditation.

The Intersection of Public Health and Social Inequities

The path to improving treatment outcomes requires acknowledging how social inequities and cultural stigma create barriers to care. Public health research demonstrates that addressing substance use disorders requires more than just clinical interventions. It demands a comprehensive approach that considers:

  • Historical trauma and its impact on racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare access
  • Social determinants of health that affect treatment engagement and success
  • Cultural barriers that may prevent individuals from seeking help
  • Systemic biases within healthcare systems that perpetuate health inequities

By understanding these interconnected challenges, Eleanor Health develops targeted strategies that address both individual needs and broader systemic barriers to care.

As the public reflects on the past few years – particularly the aftermath of George Floyd – they may realize that some organizations making statements of support during that time were merely performative. Through the work we’re doing via our pledge and beyond, Eleanor is taking concrete steps that meaningfully advance equity, for both our Eleanor team and community members.

Dr. Deann Butler is the Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Learning and Org Development at Eleanor Health.

Dr. Deann Butler

Dr. Deann Butler is Eleanor Health’s Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Learning and Org Development. She has healthcare experience in nonprofit, corporate and startups, and has trained more than 10,000 healthcare professionals. Over the years, she has facilitated or developed training for various organizations, including Planned Parenthood, the American Cancer Society, Central Piedmont Community College, Humana, and many more. She aims to ensure professionals are encouraged, motivated and have learning opportunities. Deann realized many minoritized healthcare professionals often feel unheard, undervalued, underpaid and overworked. Through these roles, she fulfills her passion for putting equity into action. 

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