Cynthia Cifuentes, MBA’s Post

In today's fast-paced world, it's essential to recognise the invaluable contributions of the individuals within our organisations. 🌟 At Gewardz Health, we believe that the well-being of employees is paramount to the success and growth of any organisation. Yet, many face significant barriers to accessing and understanding vital health information. ❤️ Health literacy is a critical issue, especially among underserved communities who often struggle with comprehending medical instructions and medication guidelines. Did you know that only 12% of adults have proficient health literacy? 📊 This can lead to medication errors, increased hospitalisations, and elevated healthcare costs. 💊📈 Let’s consider this scenario: Imagine a dedicated employee who is unable to follow their prescribed health regimen correctly due to unclear instructions. This not only affects their productivity but also their overall quality of life. 🏥🌡️ At Gewardz Health, we're not just dedicated to providing affordable healthcare; we’re committed to educating and empowering people to manage their health confidently. By collaborating with businesses, communities, sports clubs, NGOs, and charities, we aim to break down these barriers and ensure no one is left behind. 🤝✨ Join us in making health literacy a top priority. Together, we can foster a healthier and more productive workforce, ensuring everyone has the tools and knowledge to thrive. 💚 #HealthLiteracy #EmployeeWellbeing #GewardzHealth #Empowerment #AffordableHealthcare

Check out this week's blog: Healthcare as a Catalyst for Social Change "Healthcare organizations, especially Federally Qualified Health Centers, have a profound opportunity to drive meaningful social change. By proactively addressing health disparities and promoting equitable access to care, they can create lasting impact in underserved communities where it matters the most. But making a difference requires intentional strategies, thoughtful collaboration, and a deep understanding of what your community needs. Today we’re exploring ideas to help your organization effectively bridge these gaps and become a true catalyst for change." Read the blog here:

📝 Words matter: redefining "social determinants of health." 🗣️ Let's ensure clarity in our discussions to drive real change. When we understand the nuances, we can better advocate for policies that truly improve community health. https://lnkd.in/eCV4AfDy #publichealth #SDOH #healthcare

We back the calls for more community power in the NHS 10 Year Plan, along with our community sector partners Locality, Local Trust, and New Local. 📝🏥 The government’s proposed shifts for the NHS will only succeed if they embrace the power of community. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e7rdayzd We want to see 'Health on the High Street' - bringing services closer to our communities by utilising local high streets. This initiative will help address health inequalities, increase service capacity, and promote healthier lifestyles. To find out more about Health on the High Street, you can read our 2020 joint report with the NHS Confederation calling for: 🧩 Integration of Health Services into local high streets to generate economic, social, and health benefits for communities. 🩺 Placing health services on high streets to address health inequalities by making services more accessible. 🏚️ Utilising Vacant Properties for health services, including vaccination programs, which can also help revitalise high streets. 🤝 Collaboration with local authorities, working with the NHS to understand the social and economic potential of health services. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eAhwcTej #NHS #CommunityHealth #HealthOnTheHighStreet

Reflecting on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) “Call to Action,” I’m reminded of our collective journey toward understanding and integrating Social Determinants of Health (#SDOH) into our healthcare frameworks. This initiative is a significant milestone, echoing our long-standing advocacy for a holistic approach to #healthequity—one that values community insights and seeks to dismantle systemic barriers. As we navigate this transformative period, the emphasis on community-centric strategies and cross-sector collaboration offers a renewed sense of purpose. It’s both validating and motivating, reinforcing the importance of our continued efforts to advocate for systemic change. This is more than a professional endeavor; it’s a personal mission. It inspires me to leverage my experiences and insights to contribute meaningally to this collective journey. The path ahead is filled with challenges and opportunities, but the potential for impactful change has never been clearer. I will like to hear your thoughts. How can we, as a community of health equity advocates, drive forward the changes envisioned in this “Call to Action”? https://lnkd.in/eAX_4PaW #CommunityHealth #Innovation #healthcareonlinkedin

Greater Manchester is “the poster child for devolution” according to a report published today by The King's Fund. The report talks about the link between health and the communities we live in and praises our efforts to improve population health and to address health inequalities. Since 2015, Greater Manchester has had a wide-ranging devolution deal with Government on health which has led to improvements in life expectancy and other measures. One principle is at the heart of our devolution journey – more local decision making can deliver better outcomes for people. Greater Manchester Combined Authority https://lnkd.in/eerm8ErC

Agreed! Social Determinants of Health include factors that can be the cause of health problems and they can lead to unnecessary hospitalizations, poorer health outcomes, and worse prognosis. Understanding and targeting SDOH is essential for developing long-term protections for communities disproportionately impacted by the healthcare system. Through a holistic view of the problem, we can find a better solution together. #Healthcare #SDOH #Health

April is National Minority Health Month.   This year’s theme is Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections. It highlights the important role communities, organizations, and individuals have in achieving health equity. At KC Health Collaborative we believe each of us has the power to effect change. We are all a source for better health. To facilitate change, we’re engaging the community to educate businesses and individuals on how they can impact health equity to create more positive outcomes for Black and brown communities. By connecting community-based organizations (CBOs) with for-profit companies, insurers, and healthcare providers, we’re working to build more bridges to help those most in need. Together, our unified voices are advocating for essential changes in healthcare delivery. From improving social drivers of health to advocating for policies that promote equity, there are countless ways we can all make a difference. If you’re ready to be a part of the change, here are 3 simple things you can do today to promote health equity in our region: 1. Educate yourself. Take time to learn about the health disparities faced by minority communities. Read articles, watch documentaries, or attend webinars that discuss the root causes of these disparities and the ways they impact healthcare access and outcomes. 2. Support community-based initiatives. Support local community organizations and initiatives that are working to address health disparities and promote health equity in Black and brown communities. By supporting grassroots efforts, you can make a direct impact on the health and well-being of those in our region. 3. Engage in advocacy. Use your voice. Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote health equity and address the social drivers of health affecting Black and brown communities. This can involve contacting your elected representatives to express support for specific legislation, participating in community organizing efforts, or joining advocacy campaigns led by organizations focused on minority health. Together, let’s tackle the work that still needs to be done to address the unique health challenges faced by minority communities. Join us as we work to level the health playing field in April and beyond. If you’re a business, community organization, or KC area citizen wanting to help improve issues hindering health equity, send us a message or drop us a comment. Our doors are always open. Let’s get to work. *** Follow KC Health Collaborative to stay up-to-date about our efforts in fostering health equity and community connections in the Kansas City region. #healthequity #kansascity #nationalminorityhealthmonth #kansascity

We’ve joined forces with Locality, Power to Change, and New Local to respond to the public consultation on the NHS 10-Year Health Plan. Our submission underscores one vital message: community is the key to health reform. Health outcomes and inequalities aren't just about access to care. They're shaped by wider determinants of health – housing, work, the environment, and social networks – which communities and VCSE organisations are uniquely placed to address. Our submission outlines 10 key policy recommendations, including: 🔹 A shift in health budgets towards community-led, preventative care focused on the wider determinants of health. 🔹 Core funding for VCSE organisations to provide holistic, person-centred support, especially in areas of greatest need. 🔹 A renewed Community Ownership Fund to safeguard the trusted spaces that keep communities healthy, and the delivery of a Community Wealth Fund to build these spaces in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Prevention works best when it starts in communities. With investment and the right policies, local VCSE organisations can transform the NHS into a true neighbourhood health service – bringing care closer to home and addressing the root causes of ill health. Learn more about our vision and recommendations here: https://lnkd.in/e7rdayzd

Addressing health disparities requires active community engagement and collaborative solutions. In this article, we explore effective strategies for healthcare organizations to connect with communities, build trust, and tackle inequities in care delivery. Discover actionable insights to drive meaningful change.