The Bernard J. Tyson National Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Healthcare Equity Now Accepting Applications

The Joint Commission and Kaiser Permanente are now accepting applications for the 2023 Bernard J. Tyson National Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Healthcare Equity. Through the award, both organizations hope to demonstrate that sustained improvements to healthcare disparities are possible by providing real-world examples and best practices for healthcare organizations

Bernard J. Tyson, the late CEO and chair of Kaiser Permanente, worked tirelessly to address the healthcare disparities that plague the U.S. healthcare system. Now in its third year, the award recognizes a healthcare organization for an intervention that led to a measurable and sustained reduction in at least one healthcare disparity.

All types of healthcare organizations that directly deliver healthcare and have addressed disparities for any vulnerable population, including but not limited to race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, may apply. In their application, organizations must provide data demonstrating how they have improved a disparity.

This year’s application period is open today through May 10 at 11:59 p.m. CT, and there is no cost to apply. The Tyson Award presents the opportunity for national recognition as well as to share best practices with thousands of healthcare organizations across the country.

Please visit the Tyson Award webpage for more information and to submit an application. There are several resources available for applicants, including:

• Application preview
• Last year’s winning applications
• Application tip sheet

Last year’s Tyson Award recipients included NYC Health + Hospitals, whose NYC Care program expanded healthcare access to underserved populations, including the undocumented; and Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, whose initiative resulted in a significant decrease in severe maternal morbidity from hemorrhage among Black women.

Interested applicants may contact TysonAward@jointcommission.org with questions.