In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with internal medicine physician Dr. Greg Hall, we discuss some of the work Dr. Hall has done to help make healthcare more effective, accessible, and equitable for African Americans.
MD Newsline:
Can you please share with us some of the outcomes of your work with the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, Ohio Medicaid’s Medical Care Advisory Committee, and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health? How have these groups helped make healthcare more effective, accessible, and equitable for African Americans?
Dr. Greg Hall:
“The Ohio Commission on Minority Health was the first commission on minority health in all the country. It was established over 30 years ago. And now, there’s a commission on minority health in about 47 out of the 50 states. So, we really were trailblazing in terms of looking at the issues that are problems for minority groups. We’ve really unveiled the health disparities that exist for minority groups, why they exist, and how providers perpetuate these disparities.
The commission is concentrated on educating patients, educating hospital systems, and educating providers on what we can do to improve health disparities. Similarly, with the Ohio Medicaid’s Medical Care Advisory Committee, as providers, we work to advise Ohio Medicaid on what’s happening in our practices and how we can improve Medicaid services for our patients and make them more cost-effective as well.
For example, we discuss the value of covering hypertension medications, smoking cessation medications, etc., to help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Doing so can allow us to better support our patients’ health and wellness, and it saves more money for Medicaid down the road. It’s been a great opportunity for me to work with them on these issues.
Finally, I’ve been on the Cuyahoga County Board of Health for over 10 years, and I’ve served as Chairman since 2020. It’s been challenging overseeing our county’s public health programs and services during the pandemic. But, I’m glad to know what’s going on during this time and doing what I can to improve these programs and services for Cuyahoga County.”
Responses have been condensed and lightly edited.
