Cone Health's Vision for Healthcare Equity Wins Top Award
Cone Health's Recognition for Healthcare Equity
In a significant achievement for healthcare equity, Cone Health has earned the esteemed 2025 Bernard J. Tyson Award for its ongoing efforts to address and eliminate healthcare disparities. The award, named in honor of Bernard J. Tyson, who was the former Chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente, recognizes organizations that implement effective strategies to reduce gaps in healthcare access and outcomes.
Addressing Healthcare Disparities
Cone Health, a not-for-profit healthcare network in the Piedmont Triad region, has shown exceptional commitment to improving health outcomes among its patients, particularly focusing on underserved populations. In their comprehensive initiative, Cone Health tackled the alarming rate of uncontrolled hypertension, a condition that disproportionately affects Black patients within the community.
The Initiative's Impact
In response to the high rates of hypertension, Cone Health initiated a thorough investigation into healthcare access among its patient population. The findings revealed a critical need for targeted action, leading to the establishment of a multidisciplinary approach to hypertension management.
A Team-Based Care Model
The team-based care model incorporated a variety of healthcare professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, and social workers, to break down systemic barriers. These barriers included access to medications, affordability, transportation services, and health literacy — factors that often affect vulnerable communities the most.
Results of the Program
Data collected from the initiative highlighted a success story from October 2023 through August 2024. The overall blood pressure control rate among all patients improved by nearly 2%, increasing from 69.8% to 71.7%. For Black patients, the improvements were even more pronounced, with control rates rising by 5.6 percentage points from 64.9% to a notable 70.5%.
Enhancements Through Pharmacist Engagement
One of the most effective strategies in this initiative was the assignment of community pharmacists to work closely with a targeted cohort of over 130 patients. Through virtual visits and ongoing support, significant improvements in blood pressure control were achieved. Notably, among all patients in this cohort, control rates surged from just 7.2% to an impressive 64.5%. Likewise, Black patients experienced a remarkable rise in control from 5.2% to 63.5%, with an average blood pressure reduction of approximately -15.6/-6.1 mmHg.
Statements of Praise
Leadership at both Joint Commission and Kaiser Permanente have acknowledged Cone Health's exemplary dedication to health equity. Dr. Jonathan B. Perlin, president and CEO of Joint Commission, commended the initiative for targeting the root causes of healthcare disparities. Additionally, Dr. Andrew Bindman from Kaiser Permanente lauded Cone Health's work as a crucial example of how addressing external factors can significantly enhance health outcomes.
The Way Forward for Healthcare Equity
“We are truly honored to receive this recognition,” stated Cone Health’s interim CEO, Bernie Sherry. “Our approach, led by Dr. Olu Jegede and his dedicated team, proves that improving care for those most in need benefits all patients, enhancing the healthcare system as a whole.”
Scalable Success
The scalability of the program was emphasized by the selection panel of the Tyson Award, who noted that the tools and workflows developed by Cone Health were not only shared within their own system but have also been adapted by participating independent partners in the Triad HealthCare Network. This showcases the potential for broader implementation in communities facing similar challenges.
Conclusion
The award ceremony took place at UNIFY 2025™, a prominent healthcare summit where industry leaders convened to tackle pressing issues in healthcare quality. As applications for the 2026 Tyson Award open in the near future, several organizations will aim to follow in Cone Health’s footsteps, inspired by their commitment to equity in healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bernard J. Tyson Award?
The Bernard J. Tyson Award honors healthcare organizations for their accomplishments in reducing healthcare disparities and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
How did Cone Health improve blood pressure control?
Cone Health implemented a multidisciplinary team approach focusing on systemic barriers to care, which included engaging community pharmacists in patient management.
What were the results of Cone Health's initiative?
Blood pressure control for all patients improved by 2% in less than a year, with even greater improvements seen among Black patients, achieving a 5.6% increase in control rates.
Who recognized Cone Health for their efforts?
Joint Commission and Kaiser Permanente jointly awarded Cone Health for its dedication to healthcare equity and successful health improvement strategies.
When will applications for the next Tyson Award open?
Applications for the 2026 Tyson Award are expected to open early next year, providing opportunities for organizations to showcase their initiatives.
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