Hennepin Healthcare releases its first annual Health Equity Report

Hennepin Healthcare’s first annual Health Equity Report has been released for the year 2022. The 22-page report by its Health Equity Department outlines the organization’s achievements in the areas specific to diversity, equity, inclusion/belonging, and health equity.

“This report summarizes the first chapter in our journey to become what does not yet exist,” explains Dr. Nneka O. Sederstrom, Hennepin Healthcare’s Chief Health Equity Officer. “We’re envisioning a new path to serve our communities in the way they deserve – reaching outcomes that are not influenced by race.”

From nine “Collective” affinity groups to help support a deeper sense of belonging for diverse employees – to Hennepin Healthcare’s Compass Program, where team members explore and reflect racial inequities in healthcare systems, the comprehensive report contains many innovative projects developed by the Health Equity team, including its Talent Garden. A diverse workforce of healthcare providers is being grown by this program. According to the report, 296 youths of color attended five Talent Garden Youth Summits between December 2021 and December 2022 to introduce them to a variety of healthcare careers.

In 2022, Hennepin Healthcare was one of the first healthcare organizations to meet or exceed rigorous requirement for national health equity accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The system earned its Health Equity Accreditation Plus accreditation, which recognizes organizations that lead the market in providing culturally and linguistically sensitive services, and work to reduce health care disparities. Hennepin Healthcare was one of two healthcare organizations in the country to receive this recognition – the first time NCQA has accredited healthcare systems.

“To use medical terms, we’re implementing an essential ‘plan of care’ that’s both intentional and transformational for our patients, communities, and team members. We couldn’t feel more dedicated to this important work,” said Sederstrom.

About Hennepin Healthcare
Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes HCMC, a nationally recognized Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and acute care hospital, as well as a clinic system with primary care clinics located in Minneapolis and across Hennepin County. It is operated by Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc., a subsidiary corporation of Hennepin County. Learn more about Hennepin Healthcare’s commitment to health equity at hennepinhealthcare.org/health-equity

Hennepin Healthcare’s Kidney Transplant Program Celebrates 60th Anniversary

 

In February of 1963, Hennepin Healthcare’s Kidney Transplant Program performed the first kidney transplant in the upper Midwest. Since then, thousands of patients with kidney disease have found new life with thanks to receiving a kidney transplant.

On Saturday, February 11, patients, their families, donors, Transplant Program team members and friends will come together to celebrate this history of innovative, lifesaving and life-changing care.

“We have the privilege of witnessing remarkable transformations almost every day,” explains Dr. John Silkenson, Medical Director of Hennepin Healthcare’s Kidney Transplant Program. “We care for patients who are pre-transplant and post-transplant. Receiving a healthy kidney after months – maybe years – of dialysis is a game-changer. We celebrate these successes with our patients and their families, and now we’re marking 60 years of innovative leadership this program has made for transplant care and research. Until kidney disease can be eradicated, we will continue to provide the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for our patients.”

Who:               Hennepin Healthcare’s Kidney Transplant Program
What:             60th Anniversary of First Kidney Transplant in the Upper Midwest
When:             Saturday, February 11 from 10 a.m. to Noon
Where:           Stillman Education and Community Room, Hennepin Healthcare’s Clinic & Specialty Center, 715 S. 8th St. Mpls., MN 55404 (program at 10:30 a.m.)

Free parking will be available in the ramp beneath the Clinic & Specialty Center for those attending the event.

Hennepin Healthcare is a nationally recognized system of care that includes HCMC, a Level I Trauma Center and public teaching hospital. The centerpiece of Hennepin County’s clinical health services, Hennepin Healthcare offers a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient services, including its Transplant Program, which is celebrating 60 years of providing kidney transplant services to patients and their families.