On December 6, 2024, Jumo Health, an innovative global provider of culturally relevant medical education resources, proudly announced its position as a finalist for the Fierce DEI Award. This recognition highlights Jumo Health’s pivotal role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within healthcare. Collaborating closely with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), Jumo Health has focused on engaging underrepresented individuals, specifically targeting African American women who are often disproportionately affected by diseases such as lupus.
The Fierce DEI Awards celebrate excellence in the commitment to DEI principles across the healthcare spectrum. Jumo Health’s nomination comes as a result of its concerted efforts to inform and engage communities that have historically faced barriers to healthcare access and clinical research participation. For many African American women, the legacy of mistrust towards clinical trials has often resulted in lower participation rates, which can further exacerbate health disparities.
Marie Emms, Head of Patient Engagement and Recruitment at BMS, elucidated the significance of community partnerships in their strategy. "The collaboration we maintain with Jumo Health plays a crucial part in building trust and increasing awareness among patients and community stakeholders. This approach not only helps us meet our Corporate and Regulatory DEI goals, but also directly enriches the healthcare experiences of the communities we serve," she noted.
In response to the challenge of mistrust, Jumo Health has partnered with the I Choose Life Foundation to spearhead grassroots activation events in cities like Memphis, Dallas, and Los Angeles. These locations were selected due to their robust community ties and strategic significance as study sites for lupus clinical trials. The events aimed to provide clear, relatable information about clinical trials through engaging and culturally relevant materials tailored for the local population.
Participants at these events were equipped with palm cards featuring QR codes that linked to pre-screening tools, enabling them to act swiftly and share vital information within their networks. The grassroots campaign has been further amplified through targeted media, including features in local Black newspapers and appearances on influential radio shows such as The Reverend Al Sharpton's programs. Such high-profile engagements helped legitimize the outreach, drawing in community leaders and public figures like Congresswoman Maxine Waters to underline the imperative of addressing health disparities.
As a result of these concerted outreach efforts, Jumo Health successfully engaged 64 community leaders, generated over 50 referrals, and achieved three successful randomizations in just a few months. With additional events planned, Jumo Health anticipates a continued impact on the DEI efforts within lupus trials at BMS, enhancing representation and engagement among underrepresented groups.
Kevin Aniskovich, President and CEO of Jumo Health, expressed gratitude for the nomination, stating, "Receiving this recognition inspires us to continue our work in helping organizations like Bristol Myers Squibb redefine the way underserved communities access healthcare information. When patients from diverse backgrounds see themselves reflected in clinical trials, it fosters inclusivity and can ultimately improve outcomes for everyone involved."
Jumo Health's comprehensive approach incorporates various strategies and materials, ranging from educational resources to partnerships with advocacy groups. The organization develops content in over 120 languages and tailors it to meet the needs of diverse populations across more than 80 countries. With a mission to enhance patient understanding and engagement, Jumo Health collaborates with over 180 advocacy groups to accurately represent patient experiences and support their health journeys. For more information, visit
Jumo Health’s website.