By Liberty Hospital

In Clay County, one in 10 residents experiences food insecurity. Yet studies show that eating healthy food is a cornerstone to good health.

Health equity, or equal access to good health care, is a core commitment at Liberty Hospital. Health Equity Officer Lindsay James oversees the hospital’s policies and programs aimed at reducing health disparities in the community with the goal of impacting patient outcomes. Providing equal access to healthy food is a key focus.

“My role is to implement programs or changes aimed at providing quality, safe and equitable health care for everyone,” she explains.

Through targeted efforts, Liberty Hospital is seeking to address gaps in access to care and to ensure that all patients receive high-quality health care. At the heart of Liberty Hospital’s health equity mission is the work of its Health Equity Council. The council’s work is woven into the hospital’s strategic priorities and includes the goal of fostering a health care workforce that reflects the community it serves.

“This mission drives our partnerships within the community and strengthens connections that support access to health care and create sustainable solutions for underserved populations,” James said.

Earlier this year, the hospital launched a mobile food pantry, developed to combat food insecurity — a top-reported need among patients. This program was launched in partnership with Redemptorist and Harvesters to address a significant gap in the lack of food pantries open during evening hours. The hospital’s mobile food pantry occurs the third Friday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

So far, it has served people from eight counties in Missouri and two in Kansas, reaching 650 to 750 people each month.

“We are grateful to provide this resource,” James said.

Similarly, the hospital’s mental health and substance abuse support has been strengthened through partnerships with organizations like EPIC, providing quality care and access to Narcan for at-risk patients. Other health equity initiatives at Liberty Hospital address transportation, a known barrier to health for patients with limited access to essential resources. Expanding affordable public transit could improve overall health outcomes, James said, and the hospital aims to collaborate with city leaders to make this vision a reality for the community.

”By tackling these social determinants of health, we’re working to create a healthcare environment that truly supports the well-being of every patient,” said James.