The goal of health equity is to ensure that every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the health care they need. Unfortunately, many communities face significant barriers to receiving essential health care services, especially vaccines.
Genoa sat down with Bill Wrigley, PharmD, immunization product director, and Reena Neumann, PharmD, MBA vice president of partnerships and client success, to explore how Genoa Healthcare’s health equity program is making a difference, why it expanded to include the COVID-19 vaccine and how it’s helping to close the gap in care for vulnerable populations.
What is health equity and how is Genoa advancing health equity in its communities?
Genoa Healthcare pharmacies, in collaboration with community mental health centers, are committed to advancing health equity, which the CDC defines as, “…ensuring that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health.” Medically underserved communities often face unique barriers to care, increasing their risk of serious illness from viruses. To help address this, Genoa provides free flu and COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured individuals.
During the 2023-2024 flu season, our health equity program administered over 7,500 vaccine doses across 47 states and territories, focusing on 21 communities with historically low vaccination rates.
Genoa’s health equity program used to include only the flu vaccine. Why did you add COVID-19?
Previously, COVID-19 vaccines were funded by the federal government, ensuring widespread availability regardless of insurance status. However, with the transition to the commercial market, insurance is now required to receive the vaccine, creating a gap in care for some individuals. Since the COVID-19 vaccine is now a seasonal shot, like the flu vaccine, it made sense to address this gap by offering both vaccines together. This approach helps us provide comprehensive care to individuals who may otherwise be unable to receive these critical vaccines.
How do consumers benefit from the health equity program?
The impact on underserved populations is crucial. Many individuals who receive vaccinations through this program might otherwise not have access to these options. Offering seasonal vaccines during visits ensures a seamless, all-in-one health care experience. Additionally, we’re helping our clinic partners close gaps in care by enabling them to provide comprehensive services without the added concern of how or where their consumers will get vaccinated. This approach collaboratively strengthens community health.
Learn more
If you would like more information on Genoa’s health equity program or getting vaccines to communities in need, please reach out to your local Genoa pharmacy team.
About the authors
Genoa Healthcare Vice President of Partnerships and Client Success, Reena Neumann, PharmD, MBA, oversees Genoa’s customer relationships. Along with managing Genoa’s social responsibility, health equity and strategic partnership efforts, Reena is responsible for collaborating and integrating Genoa services into partner operations to deliver whole-person health through a pharmacy perspective.
Bill Wrigley, PharmD, serves as the product director of immunizations at Genoa, where he leads the development, management and strategic direction of immunization-related products and programs. In addition to this role, Bill heads Genoa’s health equity program and ensures that all pharmacy staff administering vaccines adhere to regulatory and compliance standards, all while providing people-first pharmacy care.
