Jennifer Savitski, M.D., says group’s mission complements her efforts to reduce infant mortality
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Akron: Jennifer Savitski, M.D., chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, has been named to a two-year term on the Ohio Commission on Minority Health by Gov. Mike DeWine.
This commission originated in 1987, the first such panel in the United States, with a mission to work to eliminate disparities in minority health through innovative strategies and financial opportunities, public health promotion, legislative action, public policy and systems change. It seeks to achieve health parity among Ohio’s minority populations, including African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics, Native Americans or others.
Dr. Savitski said that mission is in alignment with the work she has been doing for years to help reduce the poor health outcomes disproportionately experienced by mothers and babies in Akron’s minority populations.
“We know social determinants of health such as housing, healthcare and access to nutritious food play a significant role in health outcomes and the commission is focused on helping move the metrics on infant mortality, as well as cancer, diabetes, substance abuse, violence and more,” she said.
“Unfortunately, the commission’s list of priorities hasn’t changed since it was founded, which shows how much institutional change still needs to happen for us to really move the needle on these issues,” she said. “My goal in joining this commission is to continue to work to decrease the health disparities that persist in all areas, but most especially maternal health issues.”
The commission is comprised of representatives of public health agencies as well as gubernatorial appointees.
“It is an impressive group and I am very excited to be involved with it,” she added.
About Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Cleveland Clinic Akron General is a nonprofit healthcare organization that has been improving the health and lives of the people and communities it serves since 1914. Akron General serves as the hub for Cleveland Clinic’s Southern Region and includes a 532-registered-bed teaching and research medical center in downtown Akron; Akron General Partners, which includes Partners Physician Group; three Health & Wellness Centers; Lodi Hospital; Visiting Nurse Service; and Akron General Foundation. Recently, U.S. News & World Report ranked Akron General Medical Center as the 11th best hospital in Ohio. For more information, visit akrongeneral.org.
About Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 52,000 employees are more than 3,600 full-time salaried physicians and researchers and 14,000 nurses, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic’s health system includes a 165-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 15 regional hospitals (11 in Ohio, four in Florida), more than 150 northern Ohio outpatient locations – including 18 full-service family health centers and three health and wellness centers – and locations in Las Vegas, Nev.; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2017, there were 7.6 million outpatient visits, 229,000 hospital admissions and 207,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/ClevelandClinic. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
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