For More Information
Tiffany Go, MPA
Program Manager, Patient Engagement & Equity
Phone: 206.606.6859
Email: tifgo@fredhutch.org
As part of our commitment to health equity at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, our Health Equity Program is working to address institutional and systemic racism in health and cancer care.
This multidisciplinary group advises, consults and supports health equity projects and initiatives throughout Fred Hutch. Based on their professional expertise and lived experiences, these members work collaboratively to create real and meaningful change at Fred Hutch. Group members represent various disciplines, including clinical and administrative staff across the organization.
To eliminate health care disparities within Fred Hutch’s patient population and improve the experience of our patients, families and communities by working collaboratively across the enterprise to dismantle structures that contribute to health inequities.
Health equity means that all of our patients have fair and just access to the medical care they need. To be truly equitable, we must challenge existing power structures and systemic and societal factors that create obstacles to high-quality care for everyone.
Health Equity Advisory Group members represent the following departments or groups:
Fred Hutch is proud to be part of the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) Health Equity Collaborative, a network of hospitals working to identify and address health inequities.
In fall 2021, we began an initiative to improve the collection of race and ethnicity data for new patients. Why is data collection so important? To better understand the equity challenges we’re trying to solve, we need to fully understand who our patients are, so we can ensure everyone is served equitably.
The phases of the project include doing an in-depth assessment and data review, crafting an action plan and sharing lessons learned with other members of the collective.
We want to make sure all our patients get the best care possible. When you tell us about your racial/ethnic identity, it helps us review treatments and ensure everyone gets the highest quality of care.
Although we’re all unique individuals, our racial and ethnic identities may mean we have a higher or lower risk of certain diseases. We can work to reduce these risks by making sure everyone gets high-quality health care — including you!
The information you give us will help us provide better services and programs to everyone.
Your information is kept private and confidential and is protected by law. The only people who will see your information are members of your care team and others who are legally authorized to see your medical records.
No, it’s not illegal to ask. Collecting and reporting race and ethnicity data is legal under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. But you can choose not to answer.
We are collecting this information from all patients.
It’s up to you. You can choose the race and/or ethnicity categories you identify with, and we’ll update your records based on what you tell us.
If you don’t know your race or ethnicity, you can choose not to answer these questions.
No. We will never ask you any questions about citizenship or documentation.
It’s OK if you do not want to answer some or all of the questions. Whether you answer the questions or not, we will provide you with the best possible care.
If you have concerns about the quality of the care you’re receiving, please contact Patient Relations at 206.606.1056 or ptrelate@fredhutch.org.