By Jocelyn Cooper

I recently had the privilege of attending the Third Annual Health Equity Expo hosted by UCB in partnership with BlackDoctor.org. The event that united a dynamic group of leaders across healthcare, social justice, and academia. Being a representative of the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC) at the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI), the conversations at the Expo deeply resonated with me and aligned with our ongoing efforts to address health disparities and improve outcomes for underrepresented communities.

Framed by the theme “Succeeding Together: Standing Up to Disparities”, the event began with a powerful conversation with UCB’s Donna Finale and renowned civil rights activist and global humanitarian Martin Luther King III. Mr. King’s message emphasized the intersection of health equity and social justice, reaffirming his belief that “healthcare is and will always be a human right.” His reflection on the root causes of health disparities, particularly in historically underserved communities, served as a reminder that our work to address these issues is not only a health imperative but a moral one.

Another standout speaker was BlackDoctor.org Founder and CEO Reggie Ware, who shed light on the significant gaps in healthcare access and outcomes for BIPOC communities. Ware’s leadership in bridging the gap between underserved populations and critical health information is inspiring, particularly as we work to advance health equity within the rare disease space. His partnership with UCB is a testament to the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing such disparities.

One of the most impactful sessions for me was a panel featuring Dr. Rakale Quarells from Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Quarells explored access barriers to epilepsy care for Black and Latinx women in Georgia. Her research echoes the need for culturally responsive care and highlights the systemic challenges many patients face when trying to access treatment for complex conditions.

Equally compelling was the panel on access to clinical trials featuring Kendal Whitlock of Walgreens Boots Alliance and Community Outreach and Clinical Research DEI Thought Leader Perla Nunes. This conversation highlighted the importance of ensuring diversity in clinical trials and the need to create pathways for historically excluded groups to participate in research that impacts their communities. Increasing diversity in clinical trials is a key pillar of the work we are driving at RDDC, and hearing from thought leaders who are committed to this cause reinforced our commitment to advocating for inclusivity in medical research opportunities and patient care every day.

The Health Equity Expo reflected UCB’s mission to address health disparities through meaningful partnerships and community engagement. The event’s theme of collaboration resonated strongly with Team RDDC, particularly as we strive to bring together diverse voices to tackle the complex issues surrounding rare diseases in marginalized populations.

RDDC is especially grateful for UCB’s ongoing support of our coalition and the cause. Their commitment to addressing health disparities not only strengthens our ability to drive change but also validates the importance of collaboration to ensure equitable healthcare access for all. UCB's support enables us to continue the fight for underrepresented communities, particularly in rare disease care where health equity is often overlooked.

As I continue to reflect on the impactful discussions and connections made at the Expo, I am energized to bring these lessons back to the RDDC community. The shared commitment to health equity voiced by leaders in industry and patient advocacy strengthens our resolve to continue advocating for equitable healthcare access and supporting those who have been historically underserved.

Events like UCB’s Health Equity Expo are vital in amplifying these conversations and moving the cause forward. We look forward to fostering additional partnerships and initiatives that will contribute to a more equitable healthcare landscape for all.