Health Equity in Action: How RUSH is Pioneering Community-Based Solutions

Cole Lyons from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy interviews Anil Saldanha, Chief Innovation Officer at Rush, a leading health system in Chicago. Discussing the transition from software engineering to healthcare innovation, Anil shares insights on Rush's strategic focus on community health and equity. The conversation explores the concept of the 'death gap' in Chicago, the pivotal role of public and private partnerships, and innovative approaches in technology, business, and healthcare. Anil highlights initiatives such as the Anchor Mission Network and the Sankofa Wellness Center designed to improve health outcomes and reduce life expectancy discrepancies in underserved communities. 00:00 Introduction to Community Health Strategy 00:30 Meet Anil Saldanha: Chief Innovation Officer at Rush 02:08 Anil's Journey from Software Engineering to Healthcare 09:43 Challenges and Innovations in Healthcare 10:36 Addressing Health Equity in Chicago 13:07 Rush's Community Health Initiatives 21:35 The Economic Impact of Local Investments 28:37 The Role of Systems Engineering in Healthcare 30:45 Future Directions and Final Thoughts