Brandon Gurley produced the video portion of this story.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Norton Healthcare announced the new location for its Institute for Health Equity, which is slated to open this June. The institute will move into space in The Village @ West Jefferson, located at the southeast corner of 12th and Jefferson streets in the Russell neighborhood.

“The primary focus of the Institute for Health Equity is to identify and remove obstacles that prevent people from receiving the health care they deserve, as well as to eliminate disparities in care. This includes increasing access to care and partnering with local organizations,” said Russell Cox, president and CEO of Norton Healthcare. “Health care is not just a privilege, but a right. We are committed to doing what is necessary so that everyone has access to the health care they need.”

Executive Director of the Institute for Health Equity Kelly McCants acknowledged the growth of Louisville's Russell neighborhood.

“We have been hard at work since the institute was established in June 2020, and I am excited to have a permanent location where we can provide additional resources and support to the community,” she said. “The Russell neighborhood is in the midst of transformational growth focused on meeting the needs of the community, and we look forward to being here as a resource for West Louisville and beyond.

“We want to position the Institute for Health Equity to serve as a central hub for community-based organizations and resources to come together to address factors that contribute to health disparities, including housing, healthy food options, transportation and child care,” McCants continued. “This space is the first step in reaching that goal.”

The 3,751-square-foot space will be built over the next few months to accommodate staff members, community meeting space, and a telehealth consultation room where patients can have one-on-one appointments.

Last summer, Cox outlined five imperatives to address health and racial inequalities, which including establishing the Institute for Health Equity. Aside from establishing the institute, the other imperatives include:

• Ensuring access to primary care for everyone
• Committing to mirror the community within the Norton Healthcare leadership team
• Providing education and advocacy on health policy issues
• Investing an additional $20 million over five years in underserved areas

For the institute's first year, McCants outlined three goals:

1. Providing expanded health resources to vulnerable neighborhoods by "positioning the Institute for Health Equity as a vital resource, or central hub, for residents in West Louisville to connect with key services"
2. Improving health care access in underserved areas
3. Raising awareness of "historical disparities impacting certain communities," and eliminating barriers locally, regionally, and nationally

Norton said permanent medical offices are being planned in West and South Louisville to "further expand access to care." More information will be shared once it's available.

“The premise of the institute is that health equity can only be achieved when every person has a fair opportunity to achieve their full health potential. I’m proud that Norton Healthcare is striving for health equity and is committing time, talent, and resources toward this essential human right,” McCants said. “I look forward to being more firmly planted with our institute within the communities we primarily serve.