Riverside, CA – Riverside University Health System (RUHS) today released lessons learned from its participation in a groundbreaking racial equity program led by the California Health Care Safety Net Institute (SNI) and the National Equity Project (NEP). The 18-month effort convened leaders from 12 California public health systems to share ideas and new approaches to advance equitable health care – including RUHS’s HeRCARe Program Director Sabreen White, who shared her personal journey in this video.
Sabreen White, HeRCARe Program Director for Riverside University Health System said: “Before SNI, I didn’t know that there was anyone trying to make an effort to bring systemic change. Now? I have people to call. I have email addresses from all these different health systems throughout the entire state. You have the same barriers and the same challenges, and if another health system is doing a better job of overcoming that challenge, it’s nice that I can reach out.”
Launched in 2022, the Racial Equity Community of Practice (CoP) is a collaboration between the SNI and the NEP, with funding from the California Health Care Foundation. The program has been instrumental in fostering public health care system collaboration and driving progress in the realm of health equity through a systemic approach.
RUHS proudly participated in this transformative program alongside nearly 70 equity leaders from public health care systems. Through learning exchanges, peer consultancies, and tailored coaching, RUHS and equity leaders worked together to model and implement effective and systemic change. The skills learned from this leading program will ultimately benefit patients, staff, and communities.
“We are proud to have collaborated in the Community of Practice program,” said Jennifer Cruikshank, CEO of Riverside University Health System. “Equitable healthcare is central to our public health care system’s mission. SNI’s Racial Equity Community of Practice has not only influenced our efforts but also serves as a guide to help advance equity in other healthcare organizations.”
RUHS stands at the forefront of progress in California’s public healthcare system landscape, having engaged in the Racial Equity Community of Practice program. The valuable lessons learned at individual, organizational, and system level will help other organizations advance health equity. RUHS remains dedicated in its commitment to championing a more equitable health care future in California.
Sabreen’s video, along with five others, case studies, and a final report that covers lessons from the CoP are available here.pra@rivco.org
