The critical importance of DEI in healthcare: Driving change amidst challenges
Historical medical mistrust in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world has made the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare even more critical. Yet, despite progress in many areas, we are witnessing a troubling rollback of DEI protections. This trend threatens to exacerbate health disparities, undermine trust in medical institutions, and widen the gap between those who receive equitable care and those who do not. As a leader in lactation support and Black maternal health advocacy, I am committed to ensuring that DEI remains at the forefront of healthcare.
What is DEI in healthcare and why it matters
Healthcare is not a one-size-fits-all industry. Patients come from many cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, each with unique health needs, beliefs, and barriers to care. DEI in healthcare means equitable care through recognizing and addressing these differences to ensure everyone can access quality, culturally competent care. DEI in this context means valuing the voices of underrepresented groups, understanding cultural context, ensuring equity in treatment outcomes, and fostering inclusion within healthcare organizations.
DEI and patient outcomes in healthcare
Unfortunately, DEI initiatives have been scrutinized recently, with protections being rolled back. These actions send a damaging message: the work to achieve health equity is optional or unnecessary. For marginalized communities, this regression can lead to a resurgence of disparities in care, mistrust in medical systems, and poorer health outcomes.
Historically, Black women have had some of the lowest breastfeeding initiation and duration rates. Furthermore, the maternal mortality crisis in the United States should be considered. Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. This staggering statistic is not due to biological differences but systemic inequities, including implicit bias in healthcare. Without robust DEI initiatives, addressing these disparities becomes even more challenging.
An IBCLC’s role in driving change
As an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant and passionate advocate for Black maternal health and lactation equity, I’m leveraging principles specific to DEI in healthcare to create meaningful, lasting change. Through initiatives like the Golden Latch Lactation Certification Program, I’m equipping daycare providers to better support breastfeeding families’ education and policy development. Additionally, through my lactation firm, Mother’s Magical Milk, I am focused on increasing breastfeeding education and access within African American communities. Policy advocacy is another key area of my work. As a Doctor of Healthcare Administration, I’m actively engaging with lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to push for policies that prioritize Black maternal health. From advocating for increased funding for midwifery care to ensuring workplace protections for lactating mothers, these efforts aim to dismantle systemic barriers and promote health equity.
Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The path forward
Despite the challenges, there are actionable steps we can take to keep DEI at the forefront of healthcare. Healthcare professionals and community leaders must advocate for equity and inclusion policies. Ongoing training on implicit bias and cultural competence is essential for healthcare providers. Education fosters awareness and equips providers to deliver equitable care. Building trust with marginalized communities requires meaningful engagement. Healthcare organizations must listen to and address the concerns of those they serve. Lastly, institutions must report their progress in achieving DEI goals. Transparency and accountability are critical to building trust and driving change.
In today’s world, where DEI protections are being rolled back, the stakes for marginalized communities are higher than ever. Health disparities are not just statistics— they represent real lives affected by systemic inequities. As we move forward, let us remember that the fight for equity and inclusion is a collective responsibility. Through my work in lactation support, Black maternal health advocacy, and policy change, I’m committed to being a catalyst for this critical movement. Together, we can build a healthcare system that values and uplifts everyone, regardless of their background.
We’re here for you, every step of the way. We work with your insurance to provide in-home, in-office, or telehealth visits with an IBCLC.
