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The Boston Globe's 2026 Health Equity Summit

On May 13, 2026, the Boston Globe will hold its annual Health Equity Summit at the David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University and virtually. This pivotal event, taking place from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, aims to connect notable leaders in the health and life sciences sectors with community advocates and journalists to tackle crucial conversations surrounding healthcare disparities.

The summit comes at a time when Massachusetts is widely considered to have one of the nation's best healthcare systems. Yet, persistent disparities highlight significant challenges that remain. Erika Hale Smith, the Vice President of Events & Sponsorships at Boston Globe Media, remarked, "While we celebrate our healthcare achievements, we must acknowledge the existence of disparities that demand our attention and action. This summit is essential for discussing how we can translate insight into meaningful systemic change."

Expert Insights and Interactive Panels

The summit will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including Dr. Uché Blackstock, founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity, and Dr. Kiame Mahaniah, Secretary of Health and Human Services for the state of Massachusetts. These experts will partake in not only keynote speeches but also interactive panel discussions tackling pressing subjects like cancer equity and maternal health.

"Advancing health equity isn’t just a goal; it’s essential for overall health outcomes," said Tanisha M. Sullivan, Sanofi's Head of External Engagement for Health Equity Strategy. She emphasizes the need for collaborative solutions that address deficiencies in diagnosis, care, and treatment—key factors in ensuring that all individuals can thrive in their health journeys.

Programming highlights include:

• - Global Health in the Post-USAID Landscape
• - Bridging the Cancer Equity Gap
• - Fixing the Massachusetts Maternal Health Crisis
• - Delivering Equitable Care for Historically Marginalized Communities

Journalistic Contributions

Boston Globe journalists will play a pivotal role during the summit through fireside chats and panel moderation, diving deep into important discussions surrounding health equity. Notable contributors include Mara Kardas-Nelson, Jason Laughlin, Jeneé Osterheldt, Sarah Rahal, and Marin Wolf, who will also spotlight their investigative work on these pertinent issues in health equity.

As the summit approaches, registration for in-person attendance is becoming limited, with an option for participants to engage via livestream. All sessions will be recorded and made available afterward for wider accessibility.

A Commitment to Change

With Sanofi as the presenting partner and collaboration from various organizations such as the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the stage is set for impactful discussions that aim to foster change in the way healthcare is perceived and delivered. Non-profit partners such as Girls Inc. and the Massachusetts Sickle Cell Association also reflect the inclusive nature of this summit.

As we commemorate 250 years of America and reflect on over 50 years of biotech innovation, the takeaway is clear: progress in health must be equitable, and it is an undertaking that requires our collective effort and commitment.

For further details about the agenda and to register, visit globe.com/healthsummit. Whether you attend in person or digitally, your participation in this summit can contribute significantly to the ongoing dialogue about health equity in America.

Join us and be part of shaping a more equitable healthcare landscape for all.