Ruth Clements Speaks at National Action Network Event Addressing Health Inequities

Rhea-AI Summary

Ruth Clements, East Region President of Quest Diagnostics, spoke at the National Action Network Convention about addressing health inequities. She emphasized the importance of routine diagnostic testing in bridging healthcare gaps, particularly in the Black community. Clements highlighted Quest's initiatives, including the launch of Quest for Health Equity (Q4HE) in 2020, which aims to reduce health disparities through improved access to testing and screenings. In 2023, Q4HE conducted over 6,000 no-cost Blueprint for Wellness tests in marginalized communities.

Positive

• Quest Diagnostics launched Quest for Health Equity (Q4HE) in 2020 to address health inequities.
• In 2023, Q4HE provided 6,113 no-cost Blueprint for Wellness tests in marginalized communities.
• Ruth Clements highlighted the importance of routine diagnostic testing in addressing health gaps.
• Quest Diagnostics continues to work with partners like Choose Healthy Life to improve healthcare access.

Negative

• The press release did not include any specific financial data or performance metrics.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 21, 2024 / Quest Diagnostics East Region President Ruth Clements explained how routine diagnostic testing is crucial to closing gaps in healthcare as part of health panel at the National Action Network (NAN) Convention in April.

Hosted by Choose Healthy Life (CHL), Ruth joined "The State of Black Health: Building a New Normal," to discuss the gap in care for the black community. The panel was moderated by Choose Healthy Life founder Debra Frazer-Howze and included NYC Commissioner of Health Dr. Ashwin Vasan, Rev. Dr. Que English, Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford (Harvard Medical School), and others.

In her previous role as Vice President/General Manager of Infectious Diseases & Immunology (IDI) at Quest, Ruth was instrumental in the COVID-19 response planning for Quest Diagnostics. She explained that the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in black communities in 2020 finally shined a light on existing inequities in health outcomes.

"For me, being in charge of the COVID response for Quest, which was a hectic time, I could not ignore the facts," said Ruth. "The facts that people who looked like me were dying unnecessarily because they didn't have access to testing, they didn't have the right information, and they didn't have doctors that looked like them that they could trust. Misinformation in the community around COVID that killed people was just heartbreaking to me."

Quest launched Quest for Health Equity (Q4HE) in 2020 during the heart of the pandemic response. Quest made a commitment to do its part to address the systemic inequity fueling the health equity gap and work towards meaningful progress by working with dedicated partners like Choose Healthy Life.

The Q4HE team continues to work toward removing the barriers deepening health inequities in under-resourced communities and improve equity in testing and screening, which includes Blueprint for Wellness®.

Blueprint for Wellness is Quest's comprehensive biometric screening that measures more than 25 key indicators of health, including blood glucose, cholesterol and hemoglobin A1C.

"We are connecting people to care," said Ruth. "For us, it is about people knowing their health risks as well as their health strengths and taking action and following that up with care."

In 2023, Q4HE provided 6,113 no-cost Blueprint for Wellness tests in marginalized communities.

"It is a privilege as Quest to be a part of this initiative," said Ruth. "Healthcare is a team sport- we have to do this together."

⁠⁠⁠View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Quest Diagnostics on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Quest Diagnostics
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/quest-diagnostics
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What did Ruth Clements discuss at the National Action Network Convention?

Ruth Clements discussed the importance of routine diagnostic testing in addressing health inequities, particularly within the Black community.

What is Quest for Health Equity (Q4HE)?

Quest for Health Equity (Q4HE) is an initiative launched by Quest Diagnostics in 2020 to reduce health disparities by improving access to diagnostic testing and screenings.

How many no-cost Blueprint for Wellness tests did Q4HE provide in 2023?

In 2023, Q4HE provided 6,113 no-cost Blueprint for Wellness tests in marginalized communities.

Who participated in the health panel at the National Action Network Convention?

The panel included Ruth Clements, NYC Commissioner of Health Dr. Ashwin Vasan, Rev. Dr. Que English, Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford from Harvard Medical School, and others.

What role did Ruth Clements play during the COVID-19 response for Quest Diagnostics?

Ruth Clements was instrumental in the COVID-19 response planning for Quest Diagnostics, focusing on addressing health inequities that were highlighted during the pandemic.