Effort will bring more medical experts to underserved communities

The Endocrine Society is expanding its in-person health education events and launching a new online consumer hub to reach more people with endocrine conditions, particularly those in underserved communities. The group said today that its public health education will focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, with programming and resources designed specifically to benefit the underprivileged.

"We are dedicated to giving back and helping to build health equity in underserved communities," society board President Carol H. Wysham said in a statement. "Our EndoCares' events and health education resources help address health disparities and improve access to care for common endocrine conditions, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity, thyroid disorders and osteoporosis."

The new online content hub, which debuted today, includes a redesigned version of the Society's Menopause Map, an interactive tool to help women learn about menopause and start important conversations with their health care providers and peers.

Since 1998, the group has offered patient and consumer health education materials about hormones and related conditions through its patient education arm, most recently known as the Hormone Health Network. Now, the group said, patient outreach is being put under the Endocrine Society brand.

The society's reorganized patient engagement program also will incorporate EndoCares, a series of in-person health education events the association has hosted since 2016. The events focus on bringing endocrine experts directly to underserved and underrepresented communities to improve health care access.