We don’t mince words when it comes to DEIB in healthcare.

DEIB isn’t a buzz phrase or short-lived trend. It’s not a box to be checked. It is a call to action, and we all need to listen to improve the lives of all humans, everywhere. 

Why?

  • Black women are three times more likely to die from breast cancer and pregnancy-related causes compared to White women. (CDC, April 2024, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation)

  • LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to consider, attempt, and die by suicide than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. (Patient Safety Network, AHRQ, 2023)

  • Indigenous populations continue to die at higher rates than other Americans in many categories, including chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, diabetes, intentional self-harm/suicide, and chronic lower respiratory diseases. (Indian Health Services, 2019)

  • A meta-analysis of prostate cancer clinical trials from 1989 to 2020 found that non-White, non-Hispanic participants were underrepresented in enrollment relative to their share of prostate cancer incidence, and only 15% of these trials reported data on all 5 US racial categories. (JAMA Oncology, 2023)

  • Irrespective of race, gender, or other social constructs, poverty and low-income status are associated with multiple adverse health outcomes, including shorter life expectancy and higher infant mortality rates. (American Academy of American Physicians)

So how can pharma develop campaigns, products, and services that reach underserved and marginalized communities to begin to address health disparities?

Level 5 believes that truly understanding lived experiences is the best way to improve equitable access to care. It’s one of the reasons why “inclusion” and “intention” are two of our guiding principles.

  • Make exploring diverse voices the norm. 

  • Target and engage the right stakeholders, every time.

  • Recognize that not everyone will be found on a consumer panel. 

  • Prioritize the time and resources needed to reach stakeholders where they are. 

  • Communicate authentically through accessible channels.

Want to learn more about how Level 5 can help?Let’s set up some time to discuss!