J&J engages with external policy and advocacy partners at the U.S. state and federal level to demonstrate our strategic commitment to DEI in healthcare and support equitable policymaking. We often join events organized by public health entities, and governmental organizations at the federal and state levels to share in advancing a policy environment that supports innovation and health equity for our patients.
In 2023, in the U.S., J&J participated in the:
- Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Legislative Leadership Summit: Pearl Pugh, President Neuroscience, J&J Innovative Medicine, amplified our advocacy for the passage of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act—the first legislation in the U.S. focused on improving mental health among healthcare workers.
- Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference: J&J leaders discussed our efforts to increase health literacy within the Black community and the importance of economic parity for Black women and families. J&J also hosted a Health and Wellness Pavilion, providing vital health information and conducting Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) health screenings among the thousands of attendees.
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s (CHCI) Annual Leadership Conference: J&J supported a session on chronic autoimmune issues disproportionately impacting Latino communities.
- National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL): J&J joined the Women in Government Summit, where Dr. Avery Ince, Vice President of Medical Affairs for Cardiovascular and Metabolism for Innovative Medicine, focused on racial disparities in the clinical management of late-stage PAD.
While in Australia, we supported:
- First Nations Voice to Parliament: The 2023 referendum, driven by the Federal Government, proposed giving First Nations people a forum within Parliament, as well as constitutional recognition. J&J advocated for the Yes Campaign, becoming one of the first signatories of 125 health organizations to support a sector-wide open letter to the Australian public, encouraging a Yes vote. As part of this initiative, J&J hosted several First Nations health workers to the J&J-sponsored annual event where the Health Minister delivers a breakdown of the health budget.
- Nursing Scholarships Event at Parliament House: Several Senators and Members of Parliament joined J&J and our partner, Australian College of Nursing, to celebrate the award of 21 Graduate Certificate nursing scholarships, several of which were identified for First Nations applicants.
