From Katherine Harrington, President & CEO | West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
In 2025, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee launched an inspiring new event series, Inclusive Economic Development. This eight-part series brings thought leaders, advocates, and innovators together to tackle the challenges and opportunities within our diverse and growing community. The series is designed to empower attendees with actionable strategies, fresh insights, and valuable connections to drive equitable growth across sectors such as healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and financial equity.
The first event of the series, hosted at Des Moines University’s (DMU) stunning new campus, focused on addressing healthcare disparities and advancing global health. This thought-provoking session featured two exceptional speakers: Keyah Levy, Director of Global Health Programs at DMU, and Dr. Richard Salas, Chief Diversity Officer and Assistant Professor. Their insights underscored the importance of inclusive practices in healthcare to improve outcomes for underserved communities.
Key Insights from the Event
Transforming Healthcare Through Inclusion
Dr. Salas introduced DMU’s groundbreaking video series that they are currently working on, DMU Health Equity: Delivering Responsive Healthcare, designed to educate healthcare professionals locally and nationwide on health equity and responsive care. This 10-topic series addresses critical issues such as:
- Healthcare disparities in underrepresented groups
- Mortality rates for Black women
- Cardiovascular disease prevalence among marginalized populations
Dr. Salas emphasized the power of treating every individual with love, compassion, and empathy, fostering trust and understanding between providers and patients. “If you are not able to treat everyone with love and compassion, something is wrong,” he stated, urging practitioners to celebrate cultural nuances and create space for open dialogue.
Leadership’s Role in Advancing Equity
Keyah Levy delivered a powerful message about staying the course in addressing systemic inequities. Her commitment to fostering cultural awareness and humility is reflected in DMU’s Global Health Department, which aims to produce globally conscious medical professionals who prioritize equity in care.
Population Health and the Social Determinants of Health
A significant portion of the event was led by Keyah Levy who helped the audience explore the role of social, economic, behavioral, and environmental factors in shaping population health. Highlights included:
- 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment: Identified key areas such as mental health, social determinants of health, nutrition, and substance abuse.
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Data: Showed how programs and policies influence health behaviors, clinical care, and overall health outcomes.
- In Good Health Plan: Focused on addressing housing, food security, and financial stability as cornerstones of improved health.
Why Health Equity Matters for Businesses
The event underscored how inclusive healthcare practices benefit businesses, including:
- Increased employee morale
- Reduced healthcare costs
- Enhanced talent attraction and retention
- Improved social responsibility
- Expanded market opportunities
A Call to Action
This inaugural event reinforced a vital message: health equity begins with each of us. By fostering understanding, compassion, and open dialogue, we can break down barriers to quality care and create a healthier future for all. As Dr. Salas aptly concluded, “We all have a role to play in reducing barriers to quality care.”
The Inclusive Economic Development series promises to be a game-changer for West Des Moines and beyond. We invite business leaders, educators, community advocates, and entrepreneurs to join us in shaping an inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future.