Minnesota health care leaders working together on ending systemic racism

[KSTP-TV News, December 21, 2020] One of the top priorities of Minnesota health care executives is making sure the new coronavirus vaccines are distributed fairly, regardless of race, color, sex, age or economic status. The pandemic and unrest in Minneapolis and St. Paul after the death of George Floyd are shining a light on what they admit is systemic racism in the health care system.

After months of talking with each other and making uncomfortable self-assessments of how they do business, 30 Minnesota companies have signed a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Dr. Penny Wheeler, CEO of Allina Health, and Dr. David Herman, CEO of Essentia Health, are two of the executives at larger companies promising to cooperate more to eliminate systemic racism and its negative impact on health and well-being.