Health Equity and Access Weekly Roundup: March 16, 2024

From Stigma to Solutions: MBGH Panel Explores Mental Health Paradigm Shift in the Workplace

At the recent Midwest Business Group on Health (MBGH) Mental Health Forum, experts highlighted the urgency of addressing mental health issues in the workplace, including alcohol use disorder, and the need for innovative therapies. Moderated by Tom Sondergeld of McKinsey & Co, the panel discussion featured Amanda Wilson, MD, advocating for alternative treatment approaches; Caitlin Stamatis, PhD, discussing rising adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnoses and digital therapeutics; Marcus Capone sharing personal experiences with treatment-resistant depression; Meg Delp emphasizing the importance of reducing stigma; and Tarolyn Carlton, PharmD, discussing innovations in psychiatric pharmacy and digital health care.

New Findings Reveal the Impact of Health Care Algorithms on Racial Disparities, Patient Outcomes

A recent study led by Shazia Mehmood Siddique, MD, MSHP, examined the impact of algorithms on racial and ethnic disparities in health care outcomes. The review of over a decade's worth of literature revealed a complex relationship, with some algorithms exacerbating disparities while others mitigated them. The study identified 7 strategies to guide equitable algorithm practices, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful design and deployment. Although acknowledging the heterogeneous nature of the evidence, the study underscores the need for continuous efforts to address disparities in health care algorithms.

New Study Links Social Factors to Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity

Research presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting 2024 investigated the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on the severity of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a debilitating skin condition. Using geocoding and census tract–level data, researchers found a significant association between higher social vulnerability and more severe HS, with severe cases being over twice as likely to occur in socially vulnerable areas. Factors such as unemployment rates, lack of access to vehicles, and limited internet access were modestly associated with severe HS. Further research at a national level is warranted to validate these trends and inform better management strategies.

Contributor: Breaking the Cycle—RSAT Program Improving Reentry in Arizona

Authored by Zach Zobel and Sara Ratner, JD, this article discusses the significance of addressing the health needs of justice-involved populations, who often face disparities in health outcomes and higher health care costs compared with the general population. It highlights the pioneering efforts of California's reentry 1115 waiver, which utilizes Medicaid funds to support individuals transitioning from incarceration. Additionally, Arizona's successful Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Program is examined as a model for effective reentry initiatives, showcasing its holistic approach, release planning support, incorporation of peer recovery specialists, and collaboration with community partners. The program's success in reducing recidivism rates and generating a positive return on investment underscores the importance of nationwide reform in reentry strategies, emphasizing the need for curriculum development, community partnerships, immediate health care connections upon release, and broader medication services for opioid use disorder.

Pat Van Burkleo on Food Access Initiatives in Louisiana

In an interview with The American Journal of Managed Care^®, Pat Van Burkleo, executive director of Feeding Louisiana, discusses the organization's mission to address food access issues, particularly in light of the decline in traditional pantry locations. Van Burkleo highlights the shift toward the food bank taking on a more direct role in distributing food to those in need, especially in rural communities where resources are limited. He describes initiatives like mobile pantry stops, where trucks deliver food directly to communities, as a way to reach individuals who may not have access to traditional pantry services.