Working to End Health Disparities
Across Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, we are working hard to end health disparities within our patient population. Together, we can identify, address and eliminate health inequities, unlocking better care for our patients, their families and our community as a whole.
What Are Health Disparities?
There are many reasons, including racism and bias in medicine, where some groups of people get sick more often and have higher-than-average rates of disease. For example, we know that many communities of color have higher rates of certain types of cancers and are more likely to die of the disease. Also, they often have a harder time accessing health care, and the care they receive may be lower quality. These differences are called health disparities.
What Is Health Equity?
Health equity means that all patients have fair and just access to the medical care they need. To be truly equitable, we must challenge the factors in society that make it harder for some people to get high-quality health care.
Community Outreach and Engagement
The Office of Community Outreach and Engagement's (OCOE) promotes health equity by generating and facilitating cancer research that addresses and reduces cancer health disparities in the catchment area through authentic engagement, a community-engaged/community-based participatory research approach, and education driven by community need.
Other Ways We Are Doing Our Part
Health Equity Program
Our Health Equity Advisory Group and Fred Hutch Equity Team are collaborating to identify and address care disparities across the organization. This includes participating in the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) Health Equity Collaborative alongside other leading hospitals in Washington and Oregon.
Breast Health Equity Program
We are committed to providing a safe and equitable space where all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity or age have a fair and just opportunity to manage their overall breast health care. Learn about our study to help improve breast health care for Black women everywhere.
həliʔil Program
Lung cancer is more common among tribal nations and Indigenous peoples than other groups. Our həliʔil Program partners with tribal and community leaders to identify barriers to lung cancer screening, to promote screening and to encourage non-ceremonial tobacco cessation (quitting smoking).
Patient Navigators
Our patient navigators are dedicated to guiding every patient through their treatment at Fred Hutch. These culturally sensitive, caring people lend a listening ear and a helping hand to ensure that every patient who comes through our doors can access the support services they need.
Community Benefit Program
We work with community partners, local organizations and education and prevention programs to make Fred Hutch’s care and expertise accessible to more people. Our priorities include access to services, cancer prevention and screening, culture and language in health, Indigenous health and foundational community benefits.