EmblemHealth President and CEO Karen Ignagni issued the following statement on racial health disparities:
Today, as we commemorate the official end of slavery in this country, we know there is still much more work to be done to combat and end racism and discriminatory practices that exist within our nation.
The COVID-19 pandemic, and the deadly impact it is having on Black communities, has exposed the wide gaps and inequities in the health care system. At EmblemHealth, we reaffirm our commitment to ending discrimination, bigotry and bias in all forms. As a non-profit serving over 3 million people in the most diverse city in the world, we will advocate for and continue to implement policies and practices that address racial, economic and social disparities. We believe health care is a right and remain dedicated to the principle that care must be accessible, equitable, responsive, and inclusive.