Xavier University of Louisiana was recently announced as one of three higher education institutions to partner with Louisiana Healthcare Connections as part of ongoing efforts to improve health equity. The $1.5 million Equity in Health and Care initiative seeks to eliminate health disparities and create a more inclusive, representative healthcare system using coordinated strategies.

The initiative will focus on four major areas: equity in health outcomes, diversity and inclusion in the healthcare workforce, economic and social determinants of health, and community health.

“Our mission at Louisiana Healthcare Connections is to transform Louisiana’s health and create health equity for our Medicaid population,” says Jamie Schlottman, chief executive officer. ”Sharing data to identify disparities, collaborating in our communities to address disparities, and investing in economic opportunities within the healthcare field will result in real-world improvements in health equity.”

To impact equity in health outcomes, Xavier University will leverage Louisiana Healthcare Connections’ health data for academic research and pilot projects focused on maternal and childhood health, hypertension, and diabetes.

“As a university that seeks a more just and humane society, Xavier understands the importance of addressing health equity issues on a systemic level,” says Dr. Reynold Verret, president of Xavier University of Louisiana. “Our collaboration with Louisiana Healthcare Connections has the potential to profoundly improve the health of our communities.”

Additionally, Louisiana Healthcare Connections is making a multi-year investment to create scholarship programs in medical coding, community health work, and allied health programs with the other higher education partners, Delgado Community College and Bossier Parish Community College.