Lisa Paley addresses America’s healthcare deserts, efforts to improve inclusive accessibility

During the Business I Program at Annual, Lisa Paley, president, North America, Haleon, highlighted the growing crisis of healthcare deserts across America. As healthcare costs rise, many individuals are making difficult financial trade-offs, with one-third of the U.S. population lacking access to adequate healthcare infrastructure. Retailers closing less profitable stores—often those housing pharmacies—worsen the issue. 

Paley spotlighted Syracuse, New York, where Kinney Drugs stands as a crucial community resource, emphasizing how vital local pharmacies are in bridging healthcare gaps. Beyond access, Paley underscored the need for inclusivity, particularly for the 20% of Americans living with neurodivergence, who often face sensory challenges when accessing dental care. To address this, new accredited training programs for dental professionals are being launched, aiming to create more sensory-friendly environments. 

Paley drew parallels to the "curb cut effect," illustrating how accessibility initiatives can benefit all members of society. She concluded with a powerful call to action: to drive the future of healthcare with a focus on both accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring every person, regardless of geography or neurodiversity, has the care they deserve.