213 - Advancing Workforce Health Equity: A Novel Occupational Health–Led Model to Address Health Gaps Among Vulnerable Employees in a Large Hospital System

Session Description: Occupational Health (OH) programs are uniquely positioned to identify and address health disparities within the workforce—particularly among vulnerable employees in lower pay bands. In alignment with our health system’s mission-driven commitment to equity, we launched a novel multidisciplinary approach to help close gaps in access to care, identify modifiable social determinants of health (SDOH) and connect staff to services.

This initiative established new referral pathways between OH and the system’s Health Equity (HE) team, medical care and support services. Data from health plan utilization metrics and conclusions drawn from strategic campus rounding, were applied to drive the program. Key outcomes measured include increased referral and engagement rates for existing staff, improved medical clearance accuracy for on-boarding individuals, and access to care. Presented here is a year in review, outcomes and lessons learned. By embedding equity-focused strategies into on-boarding, fitness for duty and work injury pathways, we offer a replicable model for advancing both employee well-being and organizational performance.

Educational Gaps: 1. Identify opportunities at the time of on boarding, during work injury management, return to work evaluations, to close gaps in healthcare access.
2. To identify SDOH that may be impacting staff attendance, performance, and wellness.
3. Consider a system level approach to workforce health improvement by addressing access to care, by partnering with HR, leadership, engaged healthcare professionals, and HE.

Is this session being sponsored by an ACOEM Section or Component?: No

Has this session previously been presented?: A very preliminary concept poster was presented at the ICOH conference in Barcelona. No data was presented at that time as none had been collected. This presentation will provide a one year retrospective review of the program, including data and lessons learned.

The AOHC 2026 theme is Healthy workers. Healthy world: Thus particular session aligns well with the theme of the conference, The presentation will highlight the holistic approach to workforce health by identifying opportunities to address gaps in care and social determinants of health that are modifiable by directing employees to existing services to promote health and wellness.