NAMES IN THE NEWS

Bernard J. Tyson Award Now Accepting Applications

MAY 2022

The Joint Commission of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, and Kaiser Permanente based in Oakland, California, are now accepting applications for the second annual Bernard J. Tyson National Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Healthcare Equity, according to a release. This annual award, jointly created by The Joint Commission and Kaiser Permanente, recognizes measurable advancements in reducing health disparities.

Bernard J. Tyson, the late chief executive officer and chair of Kaiser Permanente, worked to address the healthcare disparities that plague the US healthcare system. Each year, this award recognizes a healthcare organization for an intervention that led to a measurable and sustained reduction in at least one healthcare disparity.

“It is our hope that by recognizing organizations that have successfully sustained improvements in healthcare equity, other organizations will be inspired to take action,” said Ana Pujols McKee, MD, executive vice president, chief medical officer and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer of The Joint Commission, in the release. “The Tyson Award offers an opportunity to show that one of healthcare’s most persistent, yet important, problems can be remedied.”

Andrew Bindman, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer of Kaiser Permanente, said in the release, “In Bernard Tyson’s honor, we are pleased to recognize organizations that make a meaningful and measurable impact on reducing the health inequities that have plagued historically underserved and underrepresented populations for far too long.”

Last year, UMass Memorial Health of Worcester, Massachusetts, was the inaugural winner of this award in recognition of its work to improve the health and well-being of young patients within the most vulnerable communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when too many children have fallen behind on routine vaccinations and preventive care, according to the release.

All types of healthcare organizations that directly deliver healthcare and have addressed disparities for any vulnerable population, including but not limited to race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status, may apply. In their application, organizations must provide data demonstrating how they have improved a disparity, according to the release.

This year’s application period extends through June 30 at 11:59 pm CT. There is no cost to apply. For more information and to apply, visit the Tyson award webpage. Write TysonAward@jointcommission.org if you have questions.