Quest Launches Initiative to Reduce Health Disparities in Underserved Communities

Quest to dedicate more than $100 million to expand access to testing, partner to help those hit hardest by COVID-19 and fund Foundation initiatives

On Aug 24, 2020

Secaucus-based Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, and the Quest Diagnostics Foundation, announced a wide-ranging initiative to address and reduce health disparities in underserved communities, including those impacted by COVID-19. The multi-year initiative will provide a combination of donated testing services, education programs, partnerships, and financial support.

“Through our role providing testing to the nation, Quest has seen how underserved populations have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 with tragic consequences. This major initiative is designed to address health disparities in the communities hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Steve Rusckowski, chairman, president and CEO of Quest Diagnostics. “This values-based commitment builds on existing work we have done with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and others. Quest plans to donate testing services and fund a range of initiatives estimated to total more than $100 million aimed at improving access to testing and awareness of the value of diagnostic insights, which are the basic building blocks needed to build healthier communities.”

The initiative will focus on serving people of color, elderly and homeless populations in locations throughout the U.S. The company and the Quest Foundation will partner with FQHCs, long term care facilities, schools and universities, community organizations and others to find new ways to address health disparities.

The initiative aims to:

• Close gaps in COVID-19 testing availability
• Address key social determinants of health that, in the past, have limited access to testing and better health in some communities
• Enable long-term impact in communities
• Drive awareness and education on the importance of appropriate diagnostic testing for health and wellness

“Everyone at Quest has been working so hard through the pandemic to serve patients, and all 47,000 of us want to ensure that every patient has access to the diagnostic insights they need to empower better health,” said Rusckowski. “Quest is fortunate to be able to commit to this initiative at this difficult time to help those most in need.”

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