Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Epilepsy affects 3.4 million people in the United States. People of all races and ethnicities can encounter a journey with epilepsy, at any time or age. The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our team has made a priority in creating structural efforts to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion are represented in everything we do.
The Stats
40%
African American and Hispanic persons account for 40% of individuals diagnosed with epilepsy.
375,000
Nationwide it is estimated that 375,000 African American persons have active epilepsy.
710,000
Nationwide it is estimated that 710,000 Hispanic persons have active epilepsy.
3 in 200
In additional diverse communities, 3 in 200 Asian American persons live with active epilepsy.
51,000
In additional diverse communities, 51,000 American Indian and Alaska natives live with active epilepsy.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan is sensitive to the need of additional data and surveillance on the impact of epilepsy amongst underrepresented communities. An array of factors can affect experiences with epilepsy. Health disparities and socioeconomic factors can make living with and understanding epilepsy more difficult for some.
In a recent video shared with churches in Michigan, Joy D. Calloway, MBA, MHSA, shares her personal experience with the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.
In relation to epilepsy, underrepresented and underserved communities are more likely to experience poor health outcomes and poor health events disproportionately.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan is here to support and assist all community members in their epilepsy journey.
In an effort to improve and embrace such efforts, we have created a Diversity Council. The role of the Diversity Council is to provide feedback, recommendations, and insight regarding how the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan can improve efforts to reach and connect with diverse audiences. Our goal is to ensure all people have access to everything we have to offer and feel welcome to engage and connect with us in an equitable manner.
The Diversity Council has completed a 1-year BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) focus group as of Summer 2022 with four concluded areas of improvement with action steps.
- BIPOC representation
- Messaging to BIPOC communities
- Community education about epilepsy to BIPOC communities
- Community awareness about the Foundation and its programs to BIPOC communities
If you would like to participate in or recommend an individual to participate in future diversity council communications or focus groups, please contact Renee Roederer.
Sources
- Zack MM, Kobau R. National and state estimates of the numbers of adults and children with active epilepsy — United States, 2015. MMWR. 2017;66:821–825. DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6631a1.