NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.,
Nov. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson
& Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced today $100 million in commitments and collaborations
over the next five years to invest in and promote health equity
solutions for Black people and other communities of color in
the United States. Society has
been significantly impacted by systemic racism, the COVID-19
pandemic, and the economic decline throughout this year, which have
all spotlighted healthcare inequities.
"There is an urgent need to take on the inequities rooted in
systemic racism that threaten health in communities of color across
the United States," said
Alex Gorsky, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson. "That's why Johnson
& Johnson is focusing its efforts and committing $100 million to address racial and social
injustice as the critical public health issue that it is. As the
largest and most broadly-based healthcare company in the world, we
are uniquely positioned to convene private, public and community
organizations in pursuit of this shared aspiration—and work
together to make a meaningful impact through science, business,
public health, and philanthropy."
The Company's commitment prioritizes three key areas: Healthier
Communities – investing in programs that help provide equitable
healthcare for underserved communities; Enduring Alliances
– forging partnerships and alliances that combat racial and
social health determinants; and Diverse & Inclusive Corporate
Culture – ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Healthier Communities
"The quality of your healthcare should not be determined by your
race and ethnicity," said Alex
Gorsky. Johnson & Johnson is investing in culturally
competent community care solutions that create healthier outcomes
for Black people and other communities of color. Several key
community programs are immediately underway, and others will be
deployed.
- In order to better connect clinical and medical care with
social and cultural needs, Johnson & Johnson is introducing new
scholarships, mentoring and non-financial support to improve
representation of people of color in medical, scientific, and
health professions.
- The Company will strengthen community health by providing
technology enhancements and mobile health solutions, that
put health within reach of underserved and minority
populations through partnerships with Community Based Clinics and
Federally Qualified Health Centers.
- Johnson & Johnson is undertaking a major initiative to
increase access and participation in clinical trials in diverse
populations.
- While health equity efforts will go beyond the COVID-19
pandemic, knowing communities of color have been disproportionally
impacted, the Company has funded mobile vans to extend the reach of
care in high-need and hard-to-reach areas to support COVID-19
testing, starting with Detroit and
New Orleans. Further, the Company
is seeking diverse enrollment in the COVID-19 vaccine clinical
trials to inform the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.
- As a kick-start effort to bring health equity ideas forward
directly from those impacted, Johnson & Johnson will partner
with local community leaders, businesses and entrepreneurs in six
major cities across America to identify and invest in scalable and
sustainable healthcare solutions that have the potential to create
a positive impact for communities of color.
Enduring Alliances
"Our 130+ year history in healthcare, science and technology
gives us access to a global network that we will activate and
inspire to join us in influencing systemic change that positively
impacts the quality of healthcare for Black people and other
communities of color," said Michael
Sneed, Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs
& Chief Communications Officer, Johnson & Johnson.
Johnson & Johnson is leveraging its global network to also
address social, environmental, and economic determinants related to
health inequities. The Company is partnering with universities,
health systems, NGOs and governments to build breakthrough
coalitions to develop and expand economic, education and social
programs that close the health disparity divide.
- Starting in 2021, the Company will introduce alliances,
collaborations and partnerships that support health equity
solutions and educational programming ranging from maternal health
resources to inspiring black students to pursue science and health
careers.
- Johnson & Johnson is partnering with The Executive
Leadership Council to provide college scholarships and other
resources to Black students who have a passion for STEM, business,
or healthcare-related fields.
- The Company will invest in partnerships that address the
disproportionate health impact of climate change on communities of
color.
In addition to its commitment to health equity, through the
Johnson & Johnson Supply Chain, the Company is also proud to
commit several hundred million in annual spend with Black and
Hispanic owned businesses over the next five years to drive
positive social and economic impact.
Diverse & Inclusive Corporate Culture
"Our long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and
inclusion gives us the foundation to drive sustainable change. We
are accelerating and expanding our efforts to strengthen our
inclusive culture and build a workforce that reflects the diversity
of the patients and communities we serve." said Wanda Hope, Chief Diversity & Inclusion
Officer, Johnson & Johnson.
Internally, Johnson & Johnson remains focused on cultivating
a diverse and inclusive workforce that inspires innovative
healthcare solutions around the world.
- The Company is committed to hiring more diverse employees and
has set a goal of achieving 50% growth of its African American
talent at the manager and above levels in the U.S. over the next
five years.
- Johnson & Johnson is also enhancing HR processes to
optimize how it accesses, hires, and develops talent, and is
offering cultural immersion programs to enhance awareness and
understanding.
Johnson & Johnson will make multi-million-dollar investments
in Healthier Communities and Enduring Alliances programs, while the
investment made in its Diverse & Inclusive Corporate Culture
will largely focus on enhancing processes, training, and education.
Although this announcement represents immediate action, Johnson
& Johnson's commitment to address racial and social injustice
is enduring.
ABOUT JOHNSON & JOHNSON
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the
foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward
progress. That's why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep
people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the
world's largest and most broadly-based health care company, we are
committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to
improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and
put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone,
everywhere. We are blending our heart, science and ingenuity to
profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity.
Note to Investors Concerning Forward-Looking
Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as
defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
regarding, among other things: future operating and financial
performance, product development, market position and business
strategy. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these
forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current
expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove
inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize,
actual results could vary materially from the expectations and
projections of Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties
include, but are not limited to: economic factors, such as interest
rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; competition,
including technological advances, new products and patents attained
by competitors; challenges inherent in new product research and
development, including uncertainty of clinical success and
obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success
for new and existing products; challenges to patents; the impact of
patent expirations; the ability of The Company to successfully
execute strategic plans; the impact of business combinations and
divestitures; manufacturing difficulties or delays, internally or
within the supply chain; product efficacy or safety concerns
resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; significant
adverse litigation or government action, including related to
product liability claims; changes to applicable laws and
regulations, including tax laws and global healthcare reforms;
trends toward healthcare cost containment; changes in behavior and
spending patterns of purchasers of healthcare products and
services; financial instability of international economies and
legal systems and sovereign risk; and increased scrutiny of the
healthcare industry by government agencies. A further list and
descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be
found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 29, 2019,
including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in The
Company's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and
The Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Copies of these filings are available online
at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from
Johnson & Johnson. Any forward-looking statement made in this
release speaks only as of the date of this release. Johnson &
Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement
as a result of new information or future events or
developments.
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SOURCE Johnson & Johnson