Page 3 - Cleveland Clinic Akron General

Caring For Our Neighbors
Great disparities in healthcare access exist across Summit County. Many of our neighbors, specifically those in the most vulnerable and lowest socio-economic segments of the population, often live without healthcare basics. The primary care, pregnancy wellness and pediatric care that many of us take for granted are not readily accessible. This gap will only widen if we do not take action now to increase access to the world-class healthcare already available every day at Cleveland Clinic Akron General.
The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for communities
of color. While Black Americans represent 15% of
the population in Summit County, 36% of individuals infected with COVID-19 are Black American. Systemic racism is real, and causes the disparate outcomes we see across healthcare including COVID-19. Akron is
among many cities that have declared racism a public health crisis.
The leadership teams and board at Cleveland Clinic Akron General have developed a bold vision for shrinking the access gap across our community and addressing the medical complications of racial and socioeconomic disparities. This vision includes new initiatives, expand- ed programs and a compassionate approach to reaching out to our neighbors.
Resources from Cleveland Clinic Akron General and collaborations with community organizations will underpin these efforts over the next three years. However, to fully realize the potential of this vision, we will also need philanthropic support from our neighbors in Summit County who share the belief that access to healthcare is a necessity and creates thriving families and communities.
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