LANSING, Mich. – Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the former chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, has been named the vice president and chief health equity officer of CVS Health.
“(Khaldun’s) expertise in creating solutions to help improve health outcomes will help us continue addressing health inequities for the customers and communities we serve,” said Kyu Rhee, senior vice president of CVS Health and Aetna chief medical officer.
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State officials announced Sept. 24 that Khaldun was accepting a new position outside of state government.
“Thanks to Dr. J’s around-the-clock leadership, our state acted quickly with the best available data and science to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save countless lives during the pandemic,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “At the height of COVID-19, we stood side by side to keep our state safe through one of the most difficult periods in our lives.”
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Khaldun was replaced on Oct. 1 by Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian during the state’s search for a permanent replacement.
“Dr. Khaldun will lead the strategy to advance health equity for patients, members, providers, customers and communities served across all lines of the CVS Health business,” a release states. “She and her team will focus on culturally competent care delivery, ensuring it is fully integrated into the design and development of clinical and population health programs, products, services, interactions and communications. She will also work collaboratively with the broader health care system to advance health equity and better support underserved communities.”
“As a health care innovation company committed to health equity and breaking down barriers that perpetuate health care disparities, Dr. Khaldun joins our team as chief health equity officer at a critically important time,” Rhee said. “Her expertise in creating solutions to help improve health outcomes will help us continue addressing health inequities for the customers and communities we serve.”
“Dr. J sounded the alarm on COVID-19 disproportionately impacting people of color, and she co-chaired the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, which has made significant progress towards reducing COVID-19 mortality rate disparities for Michiganders of color,” Whitmer said. “While we wish we could keep Dr. J at the helm, I wish her the best of luck as she moves on to a well-deserved opportunity. The state of Michigan and I are incredibly grateful for your service.
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