Equity Means Everybody

On this episode of Quality Matters, we highlight a thought-provoking panel from the NCQA Health Innovation Summit, featuring experts Dr. Bryan Buckley, Tosan Boyo, Dr. LaShawn McIver, Camille Burnet and Daniel Dawes. The conversation cuts through labels and buzzwords to remind listeners that equity is about giving everyone an opportunity to be as healthy as they can be. The wide-ranging discussion references rural health, maternal care and veterans health as areas where an equity lens can help improve outcomes. Panelists offer practical solutions grounded in data and accountability. Camille Burnett emphasizes the importance of collecting and using the right data to close care gaps, while Tosan Boyo challenges health systems to move from talk to tangible results. Daniel Dawes provides hopeful perspective, framing today’s challenges as part of a historical cycle that calls for persistence, innovation and a focus on structural solutions. This episode is both a source of inspiration and a call to action. Health equity, as Bryan Buckley reminds us, is an enduring pillar of high-quality care. The work is hard, essential and ongoing. Key Quote: “Everyone talks about health equity. People believe they understand it. People are constantly hearing about it. We've talked about health equity quite a bit in the past five years. But then I don't want health systems to start losing the thread as to, 'Oh, we talk about it, therefore it's happening.' What we're doing is fundamentally about morbidity and mortality. Our work is to ensure that no population is dying or getting sicker than the other. We want to make sure no one is dying or getting sicker at a higher rate than anywhere else.” Tosan Boyo Time Stamps: (01:01) Defining Health Equity (04:09) The Distinction Between DEI and Health Equity (06:10) The Connection to Digital Measurement (07:38) Historical Perspective (09:30) From Activity to Productivity (10:54) Equity’s Enduring Connection to Quality Links: Quality Matters Ep. 11: Hospital President: Health Equity Verifies Quality NCQA Health Equity Resource Center Connect with Bryan Buckley Connect with Tosan Boyo Connect with Camille Burnett Connect with Daniel Dawes Connect with LaShawn McIver