In this edition of Insights, Brisa Urquieta de Hernandez, PhD, System Director of Population Health Engagement and Partnerships, offers her thoughts on how our commitment to understanding the social determinants of health helps us offer programs that build thriving communities.
Is there a person or experience that helped shape your views about health equity and diversity?
 The struggles and wisdom of Brisa Urquieta de Hernandez's parents, Alberto and Beatrice Urquieta, continue to inspire her. |
My parents came from Mexico. My mom didn't speak English and didn't drive. My dad worked, and she was home with the four kids. I remember riding two or three buses with her and my siblings to get to the doctor because he spoke Spanish, his staff spoke Spanish and understood the culture.
I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, then got married and moved near Charlotte, North Carolina, which at the time was an emerging gateway for immigrants. I used my research to understand the behaviors of that community and advocate for integrating their lived experience as data. With the ministry, I now have a chance to look at communities on a much broader scale, but my work is informed by what I lived, seeking equity and understanding the diverse population.
When you joined us in 2020, what did you know about our commitment to health equity and diversity? Has that perception changed?
What drew me was the mission of making the healing presence of God known, improving the health of people, especially those who are vulnerable, and the aspect of social justice. It was included in the mission so intentionally. Since then, our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) team has shared our system’s Health Equity Blueprint for Action. Our team in population health has done as much as we can to support some of the efforts in health equity and diversity. So my commitment has only been strengthened.
 Young Brisa with her father, Alberto. |
Why is it important for CommonSpirit Health to recognize various heritage months, in this case Hispanic heritage and history?
Since we strive to be representative of the communities we serve, it's important to highlight the different communities and groups. I'm proud of how CommonSpirit is intentional in its support. I also think that because of the history of inequitable treatment in health care, this offers a chance to acknowledge that and work through it by engaging in conversations.
Why do you believe CommonSpirit should make health equity a priority?
It's what the founding sisters meant for us to do. As they established their ministries, they faced similar challenges such as hunger and homelessness. This is who we have always been, and this helps us connect to our foundation.
 Brisa Urquieta de Hernandez and her daughters (from left): Joanna, 5; Ilianna, 13; Brisa; and Abigail, 9 |
Is there a project, initiative or innovation that you and your team have championed that enhances CommonSpirit's commitment to health equity?
To have an impact, you can't do it alone. We really are better together.
One of the projects I'm really proud of is developing the food system strategy, working with Ashley Brand, System Director, Community Health, Integration and Housing. We've engaged partners across the ministry and learned of incredible work. The key has been partnerships with DEIB, Sustainability and Advocacy, to name a few.
We focused on food systems because we wanted to look beyond food insecurity and things like supply chain: Are we engaging with people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds to get our cafeterias engaged with farmers? Are we intentional in implementing food-as-medicine programs to include culturally appropriate foods? That's one I'm really proud of.
I also enjoy connecting with teams across the ministry that are doing great work and helping to elevate it. We're working on developing a podcast to share their success stories. It's been exciting.
Do you have a message for caregivers?
What I would say is something my dad always said: "¡échale ganas!" Keep your desire to succeed, to do the right thing, to make things happen. Despite getting knocked off our feet so many times recently, we stick to it and keep the desire to do our best for each other and those we serve.
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