A local public health official was invited to Washington D.C. to participate in the White House Summit on COVID-19 Equity and What Works Showcase.
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health Director Renae Moch is a board member in the National Association of City and County Health Officials. She represented a six-state region, including North Dakota, at the summit.
"I think some of the highlights basically that I took away, especially here at Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, is that we really are doing great things to pave the way for health equity in our community. They gave examples about building trust with community partners, going out and doing outreach to underserved populations, to be able to meet them where they're at, rather than having them come to us or come to a health provider to try to find health services, and we've really been doing that in our community."
The summit, which was hosted by the White House and the CDC, joined health officials from across the nation to share practices to improve health outcomes and equity for underrepresented communities.
"I guess if there was one thing we could do better, it would be our transportation service. Whether that be increased access to bussing or having different options for people to get to medical appointments. I know that was a barrier for us that has come about in several conversations with those that we serve."