The Ochsner-Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research (OXIHER)
Through a lens of equity, Ochsner Health and Xavier University of Louisiana (OXIHER) are committed to improving the overall health of all our communities, reducing health inequities, developing innovative healthcare delivery models, and modeling equitable and respectful care.
Ochsner and Xavier will combine resources to work across their network of partner health providers, government, insurers, employers, schools, and other community organizations. The Ochsner-Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research (OXIHER) will inform all aspects of our strategy as a catalyst for moving Louisiana’s overall health ranking.
Why Ochsner?
As the state’s largest academic health system with hospitals and clinics across Louisiana, Ochsner is positioned to be a catalyst for change across the state working to coordinate and align a public health ecosystem with a shared public health agenda. The current national and global climate underscores the importance of spaces like Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for advancing the work of social justice and ending racial inequality.
Health Equity definitions Health Equity definitions
Why Xavier University of Louisiana?
Given Xavier University of Louisiana’s position as the third-ranking HBCU in the nation, its lead ranking for producing African American graduates who become medical doctors, and its fourth rank nationally for moving African American students out of poverty, Xavier is uniquely positioned as the ideal partner to co-lead, expand, and deepen efforts toward health equity and community wellness.
What is Equity?
Health Disparities are “a particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage."
Healthcare Disparities are defined as “…differences in health care quality, access, and outcomes adversely affecting members of racial and ethnic minority groups and other socially disadvantaged populations.”
Health Equity means everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. This requires removing obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and their consequences.
Learn more Health Equity definitions here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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As a patient, how can I impact health equity?
As a patient, it’s critical to self-identify in all available information within your patient record so you can receive the best care, offerings and so Ochsner can make updates and decisions to improve care based on our patient populations.
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How did Ochsner decide which patient information to gather/collect?
Through our Health Equity data strategy, we will update our data collection options and processes to match nationally collected data for quality, safety and improvement needs in our patient populations. Initially, we are aligning with national data through race and ethnicity and then focus on areas that respond our patient’s most urgent needs and requests, such as sexual orientation, gender identification and more.
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How does a patient make any changes to personal data collected incorrectly on their patient information?
Currently, Ochsner patients may update their preferred name, marital status, race, ethnicity, ethnic background and religion via MyOchsner by selecting the menu icon, then "Personal Information" activity. These fields are located in the "Details About Me" section and may be updated at any time.
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What if a patient doesn’t have MyOchsner?
If a patient doesn’t have MyOchsner, these health equity patient questions will be asked as part of registration and check in for their next appointment. If at any point the patient is interested in signing up for MyOchsner, please click here to start today!
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How often will patients be prompted to review and update their patient health equity data?
As a patient, we will ask you every year to reconfirm your personal information to ensure we have the most accurate information on file for you, your providers and your care.
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How else is Ochsner impacting health equity in our state and local communities?
Click here to learn more about our engagement in the community with health equity.
What is Healthy State?
Who will lead the charge to improve the state of health for Louisiana by 2030? Ochsner Health will.
Ochsner Health is committed to building a healthier region to live and thrive in. This initiative is our commitment to improve the overall health of the state. Healthy State by 2030 is driven by a comprehensive strategy to enhance healthcare access, improve health equity and health outcomes.
Our vision is bold: Louisiana will be ranked in the top 40 by 2030.
Learn More about the Institute
The Kellogg Foundation awarded a $2.4 million grant to Ochsner Clinic Foundation to launch the Ochsner-Xavier Health Equity Institute.
