Aligning Healthcare's Mission With Corporate Social Responsibility Action

Amid many challenges, health systems and hospitals are striving to improve the health of their communities with varying degrees of commitment. While many have recognized the importance of the social determinants of health, most have not responded aggressively to the global climate crisis that is sickening and killing millions of people worldwide-and getting worse. As the largest healthcare provider in New York, Northwell Health is committed to keeping our communities well in the most socially responsible way. That means engaging with partners to enhance well-being, expand access to equitable care, and take environmental responsibility. Healthcare organizations have a special obligation to broaden their efforts to prevent further damage to the planet and limit the human toll of that damage. For this to happen, their governing boards must support tangible environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies and put in place the administrative structures for their C-suites that are necessary to ensure compliance. At Northwell Health, governance is the engine that drives accountability for ESG.