Despite the U.S. spending more money on healthcare than any other country, vast health inequities still exist. Access to and opportunity for quality healthcare is not equal. While the COVID-19 pandemic did not create health inequities, it brought renewed attention to the fact that our health is determined by many factors outside of medical care.

The health of the nation is at stake, the need for change is urgent. Nurses play a pivotal role in addressing health inequities across the nation. In this episode, we begin exploring the influence nurses have on healthcare, why nurses are key leaders in addressing health equity, and what practical work must be done to better equip nurses in this mission. Nurse Practitioner Dr. Scharmaine Lawson takes us through the stories of frontline nurses and other health experts to learn how they are confronting health disparities, and also introduces us to the report that provides practical guidance and recommendations for nurses addressing health equityーThe Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieving Health Equity.

Dr. Scharmaine Lawson is a nationally recognized and award-winning nurse practitioner. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. In addition, Dr. Lawson was the winner of the 2013 Healthcare Hero award for the New Orleans City Business Magazine, and 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year award for the ADVANCE for Nurse Practitioner magazine. She is also the author of the first Advanced Practice Nurse children’s book series titled “Nola The Nurse”.

The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the official policies, recommendations, and stances of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.