Health Equity
EQUITY
The CDC defines health equity broadly as "a state in which all people can attain the highest level of health" and quality of life, regardless of their identity or social position/context." As osteoarthritis (OA) is currently the third leading cause of disability in the United States and aligned with the key goals of the NITRO program, the NOVAJoint team is placing health equity at the forefront of our approach to clinical trial research, accessibility, and patient representation. A full-time Equity Officer will serve on the leadership team to develop and enforce the NOVAJoint Equity Plan (EP).
- Equity Governance Structure The EO will execute the EP with the guidance of advisors under an Equity Governance Structure. This will be composed of three spheres of influence: (1) the Research Team, (2) the Patient Team, and (3) the CBO team.
- Equity Advisory Board:
Composed of 5 clinicians/researchers from across Columbia University Medical Center and the University of Missouri, the NOVAJoint MPIs, and (in later quarters) a Clinical Coordinator. - Community-Based Organizations (CBO) and Patient Parnerships
NOVAJoint has proposed a robust Community Engagement Plan, incorporating community-based organizations (CBOs) and patient advocates as formal partners who will advise the Equity Officer on the project’s Equity Plan. This partnership will serve two purposes: to serve on the Equity Governance Board as formal advisors, and to help recruit participants. Other community leaders may be identified through various engagement methods as well.
- The Patient team will be made up of patient advocates at least 45 years old with an OA diagnosis, representing various major racial/ethnic/gender communities.
- Community Engagement
- Listening Sessions
- Information about how to participate in future listening sessions will be posted when available.
Contact Us
Omneya Ghanem, Equity Officer
OG2333@cumc.columbia.edu