Equity and Advocacy

Our researchers strive to be change agents that advocate for all patients affected by gastrointestinal conditions.

We believe that everyone, regardless of age, appearance, race, culture, or zip code, deserves good care, which we show through our work at the community and national level.

Advancing health equity

• Medicaid improves colorectal cancer screening among low-income individuals
  • We found that states that expanded Medicaid improved rates of colorectal cancer screening and reduced gaps in screening, particularly among underhoused adults and those speaking a language other than English.
  • Medicaid expansion states see long-term improvement in colorectal cancer screening uptake among low-income individuals
  • PI: Dr. Folasade P. May
  • Sources of funding: NIH, Broad Institute, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Engaging communities

• Collaborating with community health centers to improving colorectal cancer screening
  • This paper highlights a study across eight community centers in two major cities (Los Angeles, Boston) that will test different strategies to increase participation in colorectal cancer screening.
  • Community collaboration to advance racial/ethnic equity in colorectal cancer screening: Protocol for a multilevel intervention to improve screening and follow-up in community health centers
  • PI: Dr. Folasade P. May
  • Source of funding: Stand Up to Cancer 

Highlighting gaps

• Barriers to care among U.S. adults with chronic liver disease
  • Our team found that patients with chronic liver disease experience more barriers, including unaffordability, transportation, and organizational barriers, compared to those with other chronic conditions.
  • Prevalence of healthcare barriers among U.S. adults with chronic liver disease compared to other chronic diseases
  • PI: Dr. Carrie R. Wong
  • Sources of funding: Ruth Kirschstein National Service Award, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases

Shaping policy

• Top-down strategies are effective for increasing goals of care discussions about Veterans with cirrhosis in the Veterans Health Administration
  • We found a noticeable increase in goals of care discussions for Veterans with cirrhosis after implementation of top-down strategies from the National Gastroenterology and Hepatology Program at the VA. These included national guidelines outlining when discussions are appropriate for patients with liver disease, as well as resources for getting help on how to conduct and document discussions.
  • Increasing goals of care discussions among Veterans with cirrhosis: A Veterans Health Administration quality improvement initiative
  • PI: Dr. Arpan A. Patel
  • Source of funding: Veterans Health Administration