Advancing Health Equity at Scripps

Areas of focus for 2023-2024

Scripps is focused on meeting the health equity requirements established by legislative bodies and regulatory agencies. In line with our commitment to meeting federal, state and regulatory agency requirements, we are focused on these areas:


  • Collecting race, ethnicity and language (REal), as well as sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data about our patients 
  • Assessing our patients’ health-related social needs
  • Identifying health care disparities in our patient population by stratifying quality and safety data using the sociodemographic characteristics of our patients
  • Developing actions to minimize health care disparities in our patient population, including establishing measurable goals and outcomes
  • Engaging and educating physicians and staff by providing health equity-focused data and other tools to help them identify and minimize disparities in quality and safety for their patients
  • Reporting Scripps progress related to the collection and analysis of health equity-focused data, our initiatives focused on reducing identified disparities in care that lead to improved patient outcomes

Scripps health equity programs and services

As Scripps undertakes the work of identifying and reducing disparities in clinical outcomes and ensuring our compliance with government directives regarding health equity, it is important to recognize that Scripps has been engaged in a broad range of programs and initiatives that address health disparities for underserved populations for many years. Below are some examples, with further details on these programs throughout our community benefit report (PDF, 5.9 MB).

Programs

  • Aging Care and Support: Provide, proactive, medical, and social services to adults living with multiple chronic diseases. Partner with local senior centers, churches and senior housing and conduct senior health chats that are designed to provide health education to the older adult community.
  • Behavioral Health: Establish initiatives to create a more robust behavioral health care system with emphasis on vocational training, reducing opioid use and substance abuse.
  • Cancer: Offer wig banks to support individuals undergoing cancer treatment and/or experiencing hair loss, transportation for appointments, lodging, Survivor’s Day events, breast health outreach and education and more.
  • Cardiovascular Disease: Address cardiovascular disease through sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) screenings, virtual cardiac rehabilitation, cardiometabolic health education and improving food insecurities.
  • Diabetes: Advocate for diabetes prevention, research and education through in-person and virtual programs and events for the various communities and patients impacted by the diabetes epidemic. 
  • Maternal Child Health and High-Risk Pregnancy: Provide perinatology services, health education and awareness and other key programs to support the health of mothers, infants and families.
  • Professional Education: Support physician training and clinical research, residents and fellows through various residency programs and curriculum dedicated to uplifting health equity, reducing bias and caring for the underserved.
  • Health Research: Identify how to measure health equity through the work of the Scripps Collaborative for Health Equity, related research grants, the Health Equity Information Center and more.
  • Youth Career Pathways/Pipeline Programs: Promote health care as a rewarding career to students via internship programs, outreach programs, scholars’ programs and more.
  • Community Outreach: Help the homeless, food insecure and un-insured/under-insured low-income patients through programs specifically designed to supplement their overall health care and living needs.

Programs funded by Krueger-Wyeth 

Scripps Health received five-year funding through the Krueger-Wyeth (KW) award's excess settlement funds distribution to advance patient care, research, and address healthcare disparities in the areas of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive conditions within underserved populations. The funding has enabled a positive impact on various initiatives.


Scripps established a collaborative approach, with 12 closely integrated programs specified and approved in the original application. To oversee the award, three working groups were formed, covering breast cancer, cardiology/neurocognition and health equity. These groups meet regularly to review work plans, milestones, achievements and budgets. The funding from the KW award has significantly advanced the mission of Scripps Health, ensuring better care delivery, research outcomes, and the promotion of health equity in the medical disciplines of breast cancer, cardiology and neurocognition. These achievements signify a strong commitment to improving health care for all communities. The following are highlights of the achievements made possible because of the award and Scripps' commitment to improving care and reducing health disparities in various medical disciplines.

Health equity

  • Scripps Collaborative for Health Equity (SCHE) provides research opportunities for health care professionals and medical trainees interested in health disparities research in the areas of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive conditions. SCHE promotes equity in health care through initiatives and key programs that are focused on workforce diversity, inclusion in research, and access to high-quality, culturally competent healthcare for patients from all backgrounds.
  • Scripps participates in community education programs to promote preventive health for breast cancer and cardiovascular disease in underserved communities.
  • The Electronic Platform for Health Disparities focuses on two protocols investigating the financial toxicity of breast cancer treatment within a Spanish-speaking underserved community. Both studies have the potential to better understand the challenges faced by our cancer patients, particularly those facing disparities in their ability to receive optimal care.
  • The Mobile Health and Resource Fair in Southeast San Diego, supported by Scripps funding, provides comprehensive health screenings including cardiovascular, neurocognitive, breast cancer and cardiometabolic screenings to hundreds monthly. It serves as a vital resource hub, offering multiple services in one convenient location. Scripps staff actively collaborate with the fair team, providing education and consultations on various health topics.

Breast cancer

  • Scripps Health is actively engaged in prospective clinical trials focusing on shortened fraction schedules for breast cancer management. These trials aim to establish new standards of care and have achieved their accrual goals.
  • A lymphedema management program has been established with physical therapists and additional staff members. Scripps offers these services in multiple locations throughout San Diego County, including those in underserved communities.
  • Scripps created a wellness and continuity of care clinic for breast cancer patients post-initial treatment, featuring care pathways and educational tools for monitoring treatment-related concerns.

Cardiovascular / neurocognition 

  • A novel, non-invasive imaging technique for coronary artery disease has been developed using computer tomography angiography, potentially reducing the need for cardiac catheterization. 
  • An integrative medicine program for cardiovascular health, including underserved patients, offers wellness and exercise programs, educational sessions, nutrition guidance and more. 
  • Scripps has established a Virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation (VCR) program. This program extends its services to underserved communities, ensuring access to essential cardiac care. Specifically, it features a Spanish language platform tailored to the monolingual population in the South Bay, addressing linguistic barriers and promoting inclusivity in health care delivery.
  • Scripps established a protocol that explores the link between sleep habits, sleep apnea and neurocognition, with a focus on intervention strategies for cognitive health.