The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is committed to providing equitable healthcare access for all residents. This commitment is evident in the establishment of the Health Equity Portfolio, designed to address disparities and improve health outcomes statewide. This new focus emphasizes Health Equity Customer Service, ensuring all North Carolinians receive the support and resources they need to achieve optimal health.
NCDHHS Health Equity Portfolio: A Focus on Customer Service
The Health Equity Portfolio, launched in 2021, signifies a fundamental shift towards health equity customer service. This initiative includes the appointment of a Chief Health Equity Officer and the formation of three distinct offices: the Office of Rural Health, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the Office of Health Equity. This latter office consolidates the former Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities with Latinx and Hispanic Policy and Strategy, centralizing resources and expertise.
The Portfolio’s mission centers on embedding equity through key principles: trust, collaboration, innovation, leadership, and, critically, quality service delivery—the cornerstone of effective health equity customer service. Its vision is to create fair and just opportunities for all North Carolinians to achieve their best possible health outcomes.
Strategic Priorities and Operational Excellence in Health Equity
The Health Equity Portfolio has outlined four strategic priorities for 2023: Strategy, Operational Excellence and Daily Operations, Community and Partner Engagement, and HE and DEI Consultation and Technical Assistance. Each of these areas underscores the importance of health equity customer service, ensuring efficient and effective support for all individuals.
The emphasis on operational excellence within the Health Equity Portfolio demonstrates a commitment to streamlining processes and enhancing health equity customer service. This focus ensures that individuals can readily access the information and resources they need, fostering a more equitable healthcare experience.
Community Engagement and Collaboration: Key to Equitable Healthcare
Community and partner engagement is another critical aspect of the Health Equity Portfolio’s strategy. By actively collaborating with local communities and organizations, NCDHHS strengthens its ability to provide culturally competent and responsive health equity customer service. This collaborative approach ensures that services are tailored to the unique needs of diverse populations, fostering trust and improving health outcomes.
The Portfolio’s work also extends to addressing housing needs for individuals with disabilities, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence health equity. Through the NC Strategic Housing Plan, NCDHHS aims to ensure access to safe and affordable housing, a crucial determinant of overall well-being.
Progress and Future Directions in Health Equity
The Health Equity Portfolio’s Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Year in Review Report highlights significant achievements in advancing health equity across North Carolina. The report details progress made in operationalizing health equity customer service principles, strengthening community partnerships, and implementing initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for all residents.
The NCDHHS remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive healthcare system. By prioritizing health equity customer service, the department strives to create a system where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and achieve their full health potential.
