by Dr. Lawrence Jones II

WASHINGTON, D.C., [July 08, 2025] — Howard University Faculty Practice Plan (HUFPP) and Howard University Hospital (HUH) are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the Dynasty Interactive Screen Community’s (DISC) Health Equity Action Lab (HEAL) that will enhance public access to critical health information and expand health education outreach locally in the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) area and on a national level. HEAL is an initiative of DISC Health. This initiative was spearheaded and led by DISC representative Dr. Lawrence Jones II, the National Director of DISC HEAL and the Founder and CEO of Biotechnology Health Management and Care LLC. Howard University Faculty Practice Plan and Howard University Hospital will expand health initiatives and awareness by promoting and distributing preventive health information, as well as news about active aging and healthy lifestyles, impacting the community both on campus and in community clinics. Through this collaboration, HUH and HUFPP will now leverage DISC’s network of more than 800 indoor digital media screens regionally, including access to 500,000 monthly viewers across the Washington, D.C. region alone.

These digital displays are strategically placed in high-traffic community hubs such as restaurants, salons, community centers, and local businesses, making health information more visible and accessible in everyday settings. The DISC platform features multimedia content that is both expert-curated and culturally relevant, covering a wide range of topics, including preventive care, mental health, nutrition, and chronic disease management. With more than four million monthly viewers nationwide, DISC enables Howard’s providers and educators to connect directly with communities and other underserved populations, delivering targeted campaigns, including virtual screenings, video education, and branded health content, helping to strengthen relationships and improve trust with communities that have historically faced barriers to healthcare access. “This partnership represents a bold and transformative step in our mission to close the health equity gap,” said Vincent Orange Jr., CEO of the Howard University Faculty Practice Plan.

Mr. Orange elaborates by stating that “By bringing reliable, expert health content directly into the places where our community gathers, we are not only increasing awareness—we are empowering individuals with the knowledge to make healthier decisions. He further adds that “This collaboration is Howard at its best — leading, educating, and advocating.” “DISC is proud to align with a nationally respected institution like Howard University,” said Dr. Frederick Echols, DISC HEAL team member. Mr. Orange and the DISC HEAL team believe that “Together, we are amplifying trusted voices in healthcare and delivering content that speaks to the lived experiences of the communities we serve. This collaboration allows us to bring meaningful, life-changing health education directly to the people who need it most — where they live, work, and connect.”

By combining Howard’s legacy of care and advocacy with DISC’s dynamic technology, the institutions are advancing a shared vision for a more informed and health-literate society. Together, they are building a future where every community has access to the tools and education needed to lead healthier, more equitable lives.

For media inquiries, contact: PR Manager, Anizia Fulmore Anizia.Fullmore@howard.edu

The Howard University Faculty Practice Plan is a multi-specialty medical group practice serving all community members in the cultural hub of Washington, D.C. The Faculty Practice Plan is committed to the advancement of healthcare and health equality, locally and globally by providing exemplary education, service and research that promotes patient-centered collaborative care and advocates for the elimination of health disparities. The Faculty Practice Plans is dedicated to providing the highest-quality care and experience for every single patient and visitor that enters through its doors.

Howard University Hospital, a private nonprofit institution, is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. The hospital is one of the most comprehensive health care facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area that offers primary, secondary, and tertiary health care services, and is designated a DC Level 1 Trauma Center. The hospital’s rich tradition of leadership and service offers medical students a superior learning environment and opportunities to observe or participate in ground-breaking clinical and research work with professionals who are changing the face of health care. Together the medical school and the hospital have served as a training ground for many of the nation’s top African American physicians. Washingtonian and Black Enterprise magazines have identified physicians affiliated with the hospital as leaders in a vast range of specialties.

DISC currently powers over 4400 indoor digital screens in high-traffic locations across the US, reaching more than 13.5 million viewers monthly. These screens deliver engaging local news, events, announcements, and advertisements directly to people where they live, work, and relax.

Contact DISC Health today.

#HealthEquity #HowardUniversity #CommunityHealth

Tags: Health Care Communication, Healthcare Experiences

By Dr. Lawrence Jones II

New initiatives by Walgreens and CVS Pharmacies, and Walmart strive to have stores converted to healthcare destinations that not only fill prescriptions but also have doctors who can write them and provide other types of care, such as annual checkups. The two companies are rivals; however, both are committed to improving the healthcare experience. Repco (August 3, 2022) reports that CVS, best known for its many drugstores, has touchpoints across the healthcare industry. For example, customers can get vaccines, and the company recently introduced therapy for mental health at some stores.

CVS doesn't yet have doctor offices where patients can go for an annual checkup or appointments with a physician or nurse practitioner. CEO Karen Lynch said that the company wants to team up with a provider with a strong management team, tech background, and the ability to increase. Dr. Alan Lotvin, executive vice president of CVS Health and president of CVS Caremark, said he envisioned CVS standing out in primary care. He wants CVS to offer longer hours at its doctor's offices so people can visit as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 9 p.m.

Repco (October 14, 2021) Walgreens' broader effort to open Village Medical clinics at existing Walgreens drugstores. “The goal is to have at least 600 primary-care clinics in more than 30 U.S. markets by 2025 and 1,000 by 2027.” Walgreens CEO Roz Brewer said that the clinics will simplify care for patients. She said Walgreens and VillageMD will have pharmacists and physicians who work together. In addition, they will access the same tech platform that pulls together medical records.

Reed (August 11, 2020)"When you look at the significant pharmacy business trends of the past couple of years, CVS acquiring Aetna Insurance, Walgreens partnering with Humana, and Walmart moving into health insurance, it's clear that pharmacy operators are re-positioning themselves. Reed also reports that "consumers are embracing the visionary trends and overall satisfaction as consumers use more health and wellness-oriented services."

J.D. Power's customer study also found nearly half of retail pharmacy customers used at least one health and wellness-oriented service provided by their pharmacy. Customer satisfaction with retail pharmacies has jumped 2.6 % points higher on a 1,000-point scale among those customers who use health and wellness services. These next few years will be pivotal for retail health care. Stay tuned for updates in 2023. The Narrative Matters!

References:

Repco, M. (October 14, 2021).Walgreens boosts stake in primary-care company VillageMD with a $5.2 billion investment. Walgreens buys majority stake in primary care company VillageMD (cnbc.com)

Repco, M. (August 3, 2022). CVS says it plans to get into primary care by year-end. CVS says it plans to get into primary care by year-end (cnbc.com)

Reed, T. (August 11, 2020). Consumers are embracing pharmacy expansion into primary care, says J.D. Power. Consumers are embracing pharmacy expansion into primary care, says J.D. Power | Fierce Healthcare

Tags: Healthcare Experiences