Description
Johnson & Johnson commits $100 million over the next five years to invest in and promote health equity solutions
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., November 17, 2020 – Johnson & Johnson announced today $100 million in commitments and collaborations over the next five years to invest in and promote health equity solutions for Black people and other communities of color in the United States. Society has been significantly impacted by systemic racism, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic decline throughout this year, which have all spotlighted healthcare inequities.
“There is an urgent need to take on the inequities rooted in systemic racism that threaten health in communities of color across the United States,” said Alex Gorsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson. “That’s why Johnson & Johnson is focusing its efforts and committing $100 million to address racial and social injustice as the critical public health issue that it is. As the largest and most broadly-based healthcare company in the world, we are uniquely positioned to convene private, public and community organizations in pursuit of this shared aspiration—and work together to make a meaningful impact through science, business, public health, and philanthropy.”
The Company’s commitment prioritizes three key areas: Healthier Communities – investing in programs that help provide equitable healthcare for underserved communities; Enduring Alliances – forging partnerships and alliances that combat racial and social health determinants; and Diverse & Inclusive Corporate Culture – ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Healthier Communities
“The quality of your healthcare should not be determined by your race and ethnicity,” said Alex Gorsky. Johnson & Johnson is investing in culturally competent community care solutions that create healthier outcomes for Black people and other communities of color. Several key community programs are immediately underway, and others will be deployed.
In order to better connect clinical and medical care with social and cultural needs, Johnson & Johnson is introducing new scholarships, mentoring and non-financial support to improve representation of people of color in medical, scientific, and health professions.
The Company will strengthen community health by providing technology enhancements and mobile health solutions, that put health within reach of underserved and minority populations through partnerships with Community Based Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers. Johnson & Johnson is undertaking a major initiative to increase access and participation in clinical trials in diverse populations.
While health equity efforts will go beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, knowing communities of color have been disproportionally impacted, the Company has funded mobile vans to extend the reach of care in high-need and hard-to-reach areas to support COVID-19 testing, starting with Detroit and New Orleans. Further, the Company is seeking diverse enrollment in the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials to inform the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.
As a kick-start effort to bring health equity ideas forward directly from those impacted, Johnson & Johnson will partner with local community leaders, businesses and entrepreneurs in six major cities across America to identify and invest in scalable and sustainable healthcare solutions that have the potential to create a positive impact for communities of color.
