Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
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.
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.
The Ochsner-Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research strategic framework is built around five guiding principles for improving the health equity and health status of Louisiana.
Global Health Commitment
Ochsner Health is now one of many signatories for the Zero Health Gaps Pledge. Ochsner is the first healthcare system in the South to sign.
Louisiana Spotlight: Bridging the Gap in Health Equity
Chronic disease disparities and inequities in healthcare have continually led to Louisiana’s poor health rankings. Louisiana Spotlight explores these issues and more on “Bridging the Gap in Health Equity,” featuring Dr. Eboni Price-Haywood, System Medical Director of Healthy State.
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.
