CHICAGO, IL May 31, 2024 — Research shows that promoting equitable employee well-being by addressing the drivers of health in the workplace can help increase productivity, mitigate absenteeism and reduce healthcare costs related to inequities, an estimated $320 billion per year in the U.S. To discuss how employers can help bring this vision to life in their own workplaces, the American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives and celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service, hosted the inaugural Chicago Health Equity in the Workforce Summit on May 15, 2024 at Willis Tower.

Attendees, ranging from human resources professionals to well-being executives and more, shared valuable insights on implementing policies, practices and cultural changes that create a healthy work culture where all employees can reach their full health potential.

In addition to a collaborative dialogue around this issue, the event also provided leaders with an advance look at the American Heart Association’s Health Equity in the Workforce initiative’s top ten strategies to advance health equity at work. The forthcoming recommendation includes detailed implementation strategies for training and equipping managers to address inequities, offering comprehensive, affordable and understandable health care coverage, and prioritizing health equity as a strategic business imperative.

The summit included presentations from:

  • Alethia Jackson – Senior Vice President for ESG and Chief DEI Officer for Walgreens  
  • Kim Bors – Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Dover Corporation  
  • Tammi Davis – Director of Business Diversity and Workforce Development for the Obama Foundation  

“Achieving health equity in the workforce means bringing about a future where every employee has the opportunities, access and resources they need to live a full and healthy life. Research has shown that this can benefit not only our workforce, but also our businesses,” said Azia Provine, the Association’s Community Impact Director for Workforce Health Equity in Chicago. “We’re bringing our Chicago community together around this goal to explore practical actions organizations can take to help make an impact.”

The event was hosted by the American Heart Association and presented by the Association’s Health Equity in the Workforce initiative, in collaboration with the Deloitte Health Equity Institute and the SHRM Foundation, which convenes employers and industry leaders to create tools, resources and knowledge products to help improve the health and well-being of our nation’s workforce. The Health Equity in the Workforce initiative is part of the American Heart Association’s Well-being Works Better™, which helps business leaders foster and evolve a healthy work culture. To learn more, visit heart.org/workforce.

Additional Resources:

  • Follow AHA/ASA news on X (formerly known as Twitter): @HeartNews

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

About Deloitte

*Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of our legal structure.

For Local Media Inquiries:

Erin Kesler: erin.kesler@heart.org

For National Media Inquiries:

Julia Kersey: julia.kersey@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org