Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine Launches New Health Equity Tracker Module to Track Cardiovascular and HIV Medicine Adherence
Funded by a grant from PhRMA, the interactive module illustrates racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular and HIV medicine use.
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 6, 2023 – The Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) today expanded its Health Equity Tracker, launching a new module to track and identify cardiovascular medicine adherence gaps among Medicare beneficiaries. This new module is the first of its kind to depict publicly available medicine adherence data at the state level in a comprehensive interactive platform.
“Black, Native American, and Hispanic and Latino communities have the highest rates of cardiovascular illnesses nationwide, yet they disproportionately lack access to lifesaving medicines that can prevent these illnesses,” said Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD, Senior Vice President for External Affairs and Innovation at Morehouse School of Medicine. “By illustrating racial and ethnic disparities in medicine adherence, the Health Equity Tracker ensures these gaps aren’t swept under the rug. This new data will help healthcare providers and policymakers identify solutions to address these disparities.”
Through the scalable medicine adherence module, users can now search for population-specific heart attack rates and post-heart attack beta-blocker treatment persistence. Adherence to antiretrovirals, statins, beta blockers, and RAS-Antagonists – medicines typically used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cardiovascular conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease – are also measured within the module. Interactive maps and data tables allow users to view race and ethnicity disparities over time and examine variations in medicine adherence across communities. Using this tool, stakeholders will be able to not only identify where medication disparities exist at the state and county levels, but also to visually layer the economic, social, and political barriers associated with these disparities.
“The Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine is very proud to be the first to launch a module of this kind to ensure medicine adherence gaps in underserved communities aren’t overlooked,” Dr. Harris-Hooker added. “It is our hope that this information will be a driving force towards improving equitable health outcomes nationwide.”
The new module expands the capabilities of the Morehouse School of Medicine Satcher Health Leadership Institute Health Equity Tracker. Launched in 2020, the tracker was created in response to critical gaps in health data that became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The creation of the new module was supported by a multi-faceted grant from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
“PhRMA is committed to addressing the root causes of disparities and long-standing health inequities among US populations,” said Scott Woods, Vice President, Policy and Research at PhRMA. “Closing data gaps in medication adherence will allow us to build a deeper understanding of health inequities and ultimately create a more equitable healthcare system.”
To explore the new medicine adherence module, please click here.
Additional data on health disparities impacting at-risk populations gathered by the
Morehouse School of Medicine Satcher Health Leadership Institute is available on the
complete Health Equity Tracker here.
For more information about Morehouse School of Medicine, please visit MSM.edu.
About Satcher Health Leadership Institute
The Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) aims to be the leading transformational force for health equity in policy, leadership development and research. Rooted in the legacy of its founder, the 16th U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher, SHLI’s mission is to create systemic change at the intersection of policy and equity by focusing on three priority areas: the political determinants of health, health system transformation, and mental and behavioral health. In conjunction with key strategic partners, SHLI enhances leadership among diverse learners, conducts forward-thinking research on the drivers of health inequities and advances evidence-based policies, all in an effort to contribute to the achievement of health equity for all population groups. Learn more at https://satcherinstitute.org; https://healthequitynetwork.org.
About Morehouse School of Medicine
Founded in 1975, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians, biomedical scientists, and public health professionals. An independent and private historically-Black medical school, MSM was recognized by the Annals of Internal Medicine as the nation’s number one medical school in fulfilling a social mission — the creation and advancement of health equity. MSM faculty and alumni are noted for excellence in teaching, research, and public policy, as well as exceptional patient care. MSM is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award
doctoral and master’s degrees. To learn more about programs and donate today, please visit MSM.edu or call 404-752-1500.
About the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are devoted to discovering and developing medicines that enable patients to live longer and healthier lives. PhRMA is committed to advancing public policies in the United States and around the world that support innovative medical research and progress for patients, ensure innovative medicines are accessible and affordable for patients and provide hope for the treatments and cures of tomorrow. PhRMA is committed to addressing health inequities and improving health outcomes for underserved communities. We have dedicated significant time and resources toward health equity, clinical trial diversity, and diverse talent through the PhRMA Equity Initiative. Meaningful change only happens when we work together to build trust with the communities who have faced ongoing inequities. Learn more at phrma.org/Equity.
Contact
Jamille Bradfield
Director, External Communications, Media Relations & Crisis Communications
Morehouse School of Medicine
jbradfield@msm.edu