Building Lifelines to Diagnostic Equity

The seeds of Diverse Health Hub (DHH) were planted long before 2019—rooted in struggles I witnessed firsthand. As a child, I watched family members navigate a healthcare system that often left them with more questions than answers after receiving diagnostic test results. In a system where information should be a lifeline, too many were left without one. Those experiences planted a seed that would later grow into this mission.

After years of working in healthcare communications and witnessing the gaps in diagnostic understanding across diverse communities, I realized something fundamental was missing. Laboratory results—often cited as influencing roughly 70% of all medical decisions—remained mysterious to the very people whose lives depended on them.

The Pandemic Pivot

In 2020, as the pandemic laid bare the stark realities of healthcare inequality, I knew Diverse Health Hub needed to evolve. I launched the Health Equity Emissary Team (HEET)—a specialized consultancy within DHH focused on high-impact projects for marginalized communities. What began as a self-funded initiative driven by personal passion has grown into a platform that securely bridges critical gaps between laboratory professionals and the public.

As we engaged with individuals, it became clear that many were struggling to navigate their diagnostic journey. Health seekers overwhelmed and confused by test results, and providers—constrained by time—couldn't always provide the clarity needed. We received questions from people living with chronic conditions, undergoing cancer treatments, or caring for a sick child—each seeking not just data, but clarity.

Recognizing that laboratory professionals are often unsung heroes of healthcare, we saw an opportunity to make their crucial knowledge more accessible. Our platform bridges this gap, complementing clinical care by offering the understanding people need to make sense of their diagnostic health data.

With over 11,400 questions answered and 82% of users to-date reporting a better understanding of their lab results, we're seeing our vision of diagnostic equity come to life.

Building from Experience

Drawing on my background in healthcare communications, I collaborated with a diverse team of experts. Most influential was Dr. Susan J. Leclair, whose 55+ year career demonstrated how complex laboratory science could be translated into accessible knowledge for patients and in some cases, providers seeking clarity. Her methodical yet compassionate approach to demystifying diagnostic results became part of our inspiration as we methodically built systems to connect laboratory professionals directly with the communities they serve.

The Impact of Understanding

The power of clear, accessible information extends beyond reducing anxiety—it has the power to save lives, as Dr. Leclair's pioneering work has demonstrated throughout her career. One memorable message came from Maya, a first-time mother whose newborn had elevated bilirubin levels.

'Thanks for explaining bilirubin in a very easy-to-follow manner,' she wrote. 'I've learned about the two types of bilirubin, and now I'm better prepared to understand my child's levels.'

Another user shared: 'Best explanation of bilirubin on the web!!! So very helpful. Thank you so much! Better than my family doctor could explain!'

This feedback highlights a critical reality in today's healthcare landscape: even with dedicated physicians, time constraints often limit the depth of explanation health seekers receive. These comments from Maya and many others over the past 5 years remind me exactly why this work matters.

Behind these interactions are dedicated Pro Hub experts like Dr. Kyle Riding, a medical laboratory scientist who has been sharing his expertise at DHH for over four years. His remarkable gift for communication embodies the kind of talent we're bringing out from behind the lab bench and into direct conversation with the public.

Several distinguished experts help advance this mission, including Dr. Dana Powell Baker, who recognizes the platform's broader impact: 'This platform has been an impactful resource to help inform and educate others on the importance of inclusive healthcare practices for all.'

Dr. Rodney Rohde emphasizes the importance of this communication effort: 'I think this is such a critical movement, science communication, speaking with medical laboratory scientists and public health professionals and others that can really passionately talk about how testing works or how surveillance works or how certain therapies might work.'

By elevating the voices of lab professionals —whose critical work often remains invisible to the people they serve—we're putting science into service and building new bridges of trust and understanding.

Looking Forward: Making Diagnostic Equity Even More Accessible

Exciting enhancements are on the way in 2026 — including a gratitude wall, expert illustrations to clarify complex questions, SMS integration for those with limited internet access, and expanded language options to serve diverse populations — all designed to make our platform more inclusive and user-friendly.

As we continue to grow, my commitment remains unwavering: to create a healthcare landscape where everyone has the tools to understand, interpret, and act upon their diagnostic information—regardless of geography, background, or education. We are deeply grateful for the powerful collaborations with the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), Northeast Association for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (NACMID) and other respected organizations.

We're not just sharing information—we're transforming lives by turning test results into understanding, and understanding into action. That's the heart of diagnostic equity.