Director of Health Advocacy Programs at Equitas Health

Jessica Dallas

Health Advocacy

Health advocacy is the process of supporting and promoting the healthcare interests of individuals and communities. At Equitas Health, our health advocates work tirelessly to ensure that people living with and impacted by HIV have access to quality healthcare, medical treatment, and their rights and healthcare options. 

Advocates provide information and resources so people can make informed decisions about their health. This includes promoting preventive measures, healthy lifestyles, and disease management. Healthcare systems can be complex, and health advocates help patients understand and navigate things like insurance, medical billing, and referrals to specialists. 

Equitas Health 

Equitas Health is a leading provider of HIV prevention, treatment, and supportive services in Ohio. Established in 1984 at the height of the AIDS crisis as the Columbus AIDS Task Force, the organization has become a comprehensive provider of healthcare services for people at risk or living with HIV, the LGBTQIA+ community, and anyone seeking a welcoming healthcare home. With 21 offices in 13 Ohio cities, we have a statewide reach with a strong local presence. 

Reaching Communities- Like People Living with Hiv- That Have Been Kept Out of Traditional Healthcare Systems

Equitas Health is a Ryan White grant recipient through the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and Columbus Public Health. This gives us access to people who face some of the most serious obstacles to achieving viral suppression of their HIV. Through Ryan White, we can connect them to resources, like cash assistance, housing, and mental health treatment that impact continuity of care and positive health outcomes. We also work within a bold framework of diversity, equity, and inclusion that helps us build trust with the communities we serve.  

"Health advocacy is the process of supporting and promoting the healthcare interests of individuals and communities."

 Telehealth Contribute to Improving Healthcare Access and Patient Outcomes

Since the early days of the COVID-19 epidemic, the impact of telehealth on service delivery at Equitas Health has been massive. Telehealth broke down one of the biggest barriers to care: location. Telehealth gave LGBTQIA+ populations living in rural areas increased access to Equitas Health services like gender-affirming care and mental health counseling. The convenience of telehealth has lowered the number of no-show appointments and made it easier to conduct follow-up appointments. By increasing access to care from providers who understand their health goals, telehealth helps people improve their continuity of care. This is particularly impactful for people with chronic conditions. Regular remote monitoring and telehealth consultations allow them to better manage their conditions, reduce hospital visits, and improve health outcomes like viral suppression. 

Your Experience with Healthcare Data Analytics and Its Impact on Healthcare Decision-Making

Data analytics help us identify at-risk populations so that we can implement focused interventions like a chronic disease management program for people living with HIV. Ongoing healthcare data monitoring and analysis enables us to assess the impact of an intervention and make adjustments to improve delivery of care. I am currently working with our Clinical Operations team to make it even easier for the people we serve to navigate our services. There are always opportunities for improvement in healthcare. At Equitas Health, we move the needle on quality of care by having our team of nurses, physicians, pharmacists, case managers, and call center operators at the table. 

Staying Up-to-Date with Evolving Healthcare Technology Trends

I only recommend strategies that I understand myself. Whether it's subscribing to online journals or attending conferences and webinars, being a lifelong learner helps me embrace new trends in technology. At the same time, value-based care is a real buzzword in health advocacy right now and is something that Equitas Health has championed for quite some time. Being a part of such an innovative organization lets my team try new ideas and frameworks. This freedom helps us meet people where they are on their healthcare journey and get them where they want to be.