NAACP Calls for Equity-First Approach to AI in Healthcare, Issues Governance Framework to Build Healthier Futures

WASHINGTON — The NAACP, in collaboration with Sanofi through the ACE Your Health Initiative, calls for an equity-first, human-centered approach to developing and deploying AI (artificial intelligence) in healthcare. In the new white paper, Building a Healthier Future: Equity-First AI in Healthcare, the Association outlines a bold framework to ensure AI use in healthcare strengthens, rather than undermines, equity in the healthcare system. 

As AI rapidly transforms healthcare delivery, diagnostics, and treatment models, the report warns that without intentional design and governance, these technologies could automate and exacerbate longstanding socioeconomic and racial disparities. The white paper underscores the need for urgent action to embed fairness, transparency, and community engagement across every stage of Health AI development, from data collection to deployment and oversight. 

"As a physician, I've seen what happens when systems are built without the people they are meant to serve," said Dr. Chris Pernell, Director of the NAACP Center for Health Equity. "AI can transform patient care, but only if it reflects the real lives and experiences of our communities. When Black, Brown, and underserved patients are missing from the data, they are missing from the solutions. Health AI must be built with dignity, transparency, and centered on the communities it's meant to benefit." 

AI holds tremendous promise to improve patient outcomes, predict disease onset, personalize treatment, and expand care access to rural and under-resourced populations. Yet the report highlights that current adoption is uneven, with safety-net providers lacking the resources, training, and infrastructure to implement AI responsibly — creating what experts describe as a dangerous "AI divide." Biased datasets and underrepresentation of marginalized communities further increase risks of misdiagnosis and poor health outcomes. 

"By leveraging AI, scientists and healthcare providers can accelerate the discovery of new treatment options by revealing patterns in data that humans alone cannot see," said Crispin Woolston, PhD, Global Head of Science Policy at Sanofi."At Sanofi, we believe this technology must be harnessed responsibly and paired with rigorous science, transparent governance, and broad community partnership so that innovations benefit all patients equitably and translate into real-world health improvements." 

The white paper outlines a comprehensive three-layer governance model designed to move beyond compliance and embed equity into the foundation of AI systems: 
 

— Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 

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"AI will shape the future of healthcare — but whether it advances equity or entrenches inequity depends on the values that guide its design and governance. At this critical juncture, we need to ensure AI is developed with transparency, accountability, and community voice at its core, so innovation strengthens trust and improves health outcomes for those historically left behind. I applaud the NAACP for developing this critical and timely resource for researchers and leaders engaged in AI and health equity work." 
 

— Daniel E. Dawes, Dean and Senior Vice President, Meharry Medical College School of Global Health 

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"As an executive and AI expert who has spent more than a decade building platforms for Black communities and advising companies on responsible innovation, I've seen how quickly technology can go wrong without intentional leadership. AI in healthcare is no exception. If equity isn't built in from the beginning, these systems will repeat the same biases that have cost our communities time, money, and lives. But when we design models with purpose and accountability, the impact can be transformative. That's why we're proud to stand with the NAACP to advance this work." 

  — Morgan DeBaun, Founder & CEO, AfroTech & Blavity Inc. 

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"The National Medical Association (NMA) is inspired by the groundbreaking work of Dr. Chris Pernell and the NAACP Center of Health Equity in exploring how AI can transform healthcare. There is a clear sense of urgency to advancing AI to improve equity and access in healthcare. The NMA is clear on the transformational power of AI to support our members and their patients. Our newly formed AI/Innovation/Entrepreneurship Task Force is working diligently to inform AI in health equity by ensuring that these technical advances adhere to a robust regulatory and ethical framework. We deeply appreciate the NAACP for its vision and partnership." 
 

— Roger A. Mitchell, Jr MD, 126th President, National Medical Association 

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"Everyone should have access to health care, yet too often, health tech leaves some people out. AI offers incredible promise, but only if communities are part of the process from the start. This white paper is a roadmap for doing better, embedding fairness, transparency, and partnership into every stage of healthcare AI development. When we combine innovation with lived experience and accountability, we create solutions that truly reflect the needs of all people. That's how we build a healthier future together." 
 

— Dr. Dwayne Proctor - President & CEO, Missouri Foundation for Health 

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"Artificial intelligence will transform health care and our broader health system, but it is essential that it be applied with thoughtful objectives, strong ethical guardrails, and community-driven accountability. AI holds tremendous potential to reduce health inequalities, yet there are real risks that it could widen existing gaps if not designed and governed responsibly. I applaud the NAACP for elevating this critical conversation and for leading with both courage and clarity. Their work ensures that as AI reshapes the future of health, justice, inclusion, and shared benefit remain firmly at the center." 
 

  — Ryung Suh, MD - President, American College of Preventive Medicine 

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"AI will define the future of healthcare — but it must be grounded in equity to truly serve humanity. As I introduced in our recent article on surgical access, a 'three-pronged approach' is essential: we must train AI with diverse data, continuously monitor it through rigorous feedback, and ensure ethical, accountable frameworks govern it. These principles are not just technical — they are moral imperatives. The NAACP's leadership in advancing this conversation is timely and essential. Their work makes clear that if AI is to be a force for health equity, justice must be embedded in its design from the ground up." 
 

—  Hassan A. Tetteh, MD, MBA, FACS, FAMIA, Author, Smarter Healthcare with AI | Chief Veterans Health Officer, AI MIND System Foundation | Surgeon and Founder, Human Care Technologies 

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"AI has tremendous potential to aid in data-driven innovation to improve health for all communities. But AI is a tool. It must be used in a manner that protects health data and is focused on advancing health through a lens of equity so that everyone benefits. Importantly, this white paper provides needed guidance on prudent, ethical AI use to achieve this goal for every community including those most in need and often overlooked." 
 

— Deanna J. Wathington, MD, MPH, FAAFP, CPH, Immediate Past President of the American Public Health Association 

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To learn more about ACE Your Health and access the full white paper, visit naacp.org.