We Can and Must Do Better

We are deeply saddened by the recent displays of injustice in America—and the systemic racism that continues to plague our nation.

We are saddened and heartbroken over the horrific and unjust deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and many others. We know that people around the country—our employees included—are grieving. Systemic racism persists in our schools, justice system, healthcare system, police departments and elsewhere, and underlying biases continue to disproportionately impact Black Americans.

At Medecision, we take a firm stance against racism, injustice and inequality. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” On that note, members of the Medecision executive leadership team recently held a call with employees to discuss recent events, and reinforce the company’s commitment to our Black colleagues and what they’re experiencing in their families and communities. It’s important that we be empathetic, listen, talk and seek to understand how these events impact not only our Black colleagues, but us all.

As a healthcare company, we acknowledge that racial disparities exist within the healthcare system—a truth underscored even more amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Black individuals account for only 13.4% of the nation’s population, about 26% of COVID-19 patients in the United States have been Black. Black COVID-19 patients are also nearly three times as likely to be hospitalized, which researchers say “may indicate that African Americans have more advanced or severe illness at the time of presenting for COVID-19 testing and medical care.” There are four key reasons that Black Americans are dying at a faster rate than other groups, according to The Washington Post. Black Americans have less access to care and higher rates of underlying health conditions such as heart disease; are more likely to work in “essential” jobs; are more likely to face housing disparities that put them at greater risk; and receive inconsistent and poor information from government leaders.

Our belief in inclusion and equity extends to our mission of liberating the healthcare system. Our goal is to lead the way and help other pioneers in making our healthcare system give better care to people of any color, any age, or any background.

Speaking out against racial disparities and injustice isn’t enough for us. To help make a positive difference and support inclusion in healthcare, we are donating to the National Collaborative for Health Equity, an organization dedicated to promoting health equity through action, leadership, inclusion and collaboration. To find out where you can donate, click here.