Bristol Myers Squibb Strengthens and Expands Commitment to Advancing Equitable Care in Multiple Myeloma as GAAP Initiative Reaches Ten Years
Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), a recognized leader in oncology, has announced a significant evolution of its long-standing “Standing in the Gaap” initiative, a program dedicated to addressing persistent disparities in care for people living with Multiple Myeloma (MM). Marking nearly a decade of sustained commitment, the company is expanding and reimagining the program to reach a broader and more diverse patient population, with a renewed emphasis on equitable access to education, resources, and community-informed solutions.
The announcement reflects a growing recognition within the healthcare and biopharmaceutical industries that scientific innovation alone is not sufficient to improve outcomes unless it is accompanied by equitable access to care. Despite significant advancements in treatment options for multiple myeloma, disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes continue to affect underserved populations, particularly those facing systemic barriers such as limited access to healthcare, socioeconomic challenges, and gaps in health literacy.
Expanding the Reach of “Standing in the Gaap”
Originally launched in 2016, the Standing in the Gaap program was designed to address the disproportionate burden of multiple myeloma among African American communities. Over time, the initiative has grown into a comprehensive platform for education, awareness, and community engagement, helping to bridge gaps in understanding and access to care.
With this latest evolution, Bristol Myers Squibb is broadening the program’s scope to include a wider range of medically underserved communities across the multiple myeloma care continuum. This expansion reflects a shift toward a more inclusive, patient-centered approach that recognizes the diverse experiences and challenges faced by individuals living with the disease.
The updated program aims to strengthen support not only for patients but also for caregivers and healthcare providers, acknowledging the interconnected roles they play in managing complex conditions like multiple myeloma. By fostering collaboration and dialogue among these stakeholders, the initiative seeks to create more effective and culturally responsive care pathways.
Launch of a Landmark National Survey
A central component of the program’s evolution is the launch of one of the largest surveys ever conducted in the United States focused specifically on multiple myeloma. This ambitious effort is designed to gather insights from more than 1,000 participants, including patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
The survey aims to systematically capture perspectives that have often been shared anecdotally but not consistently measured across the healthcare system. By collecting data at scale, Bristol Myers Squibb hopes to better understand the factors contributing to disparities in care, including barriers to access, differences in treatment experiences, and challenges in navigating the healthcare system.
Importantly, the survey is designed to include voices from communities that have historically faced persistent barriers to care. This inclusive approach ensures that the findings will reflect a wide range of lived experiences, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the multiple myeloma landscape.
The development of the survey was guided by collaboration with several leading patient advocacy organizations, including the International Myeloma Foundation, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, HealthTree Foundation, Blood Cancer United, and Black Health Matters. These partnerships help ensure that the survey design is grounded in real-world experience and aligned with the priorities of the communities it seeks to serve.
A Listening-Led Approach to Care
One of the defining features of the program’s evolution is its emphasis on a “listening-led” approach. Rather than relying solely on top-down strategies, Bristol Myers Squibb is prioritizing the voices of patients and their care networks to inform its efforts.
This approach recognizes that individuals living with multiple myeloma often face challenges that extend beyond clinical treatment, including emotional, logistical, and financial burdens. By actively listening to these experiences, the company aims to identify gaps in support and develop targeted interventions that address real-world needs.
Andrew Whitehead, Vice President and Head of Population Health at Bristol Myers Squibb, highlighted the importance of this approach. He noted that even the most advanced therapies may fall short if patients are not adequately represented in research, lack access to care, or struggle to navigate complex healthcare systems. Factors such as geographic location, access to reliable information, and trust in healthcare providers can significantly influence patient outcomes.
Whitehead emphasized that the evolution of Standing in the Gaap reflects a commitment to deeper engagement and broader inclusion. By translating insights from the survey into actionable strategies, the program aims to strengthen support systems for patients, caregivers, and clinicians alike.
Building on a Decade of Impact
Since its inception, Standing in the Gaap has made meaningful contributions to improving awareness and engagement סביב multiple myeloma care. The program has reached more than 5,000 attendees through over 50 educational events, providing valuable information about disease management, treatment options, and support resources.
In addition to in-person programming, the initiative has cultivated a robust digital community, engaging nearly 60,000 individuals online. This digital presence has enabled the program to extend its reach beyond traditional settings, offering accessible resources and fostering ongoing dialogue among patients and advocates.
The evolution of the program builds on this foundation, aiming to amplify its impact by addressing the needs of a broader population. By incorporating culturally responsive and community-informed approaches, Bristol Myers Squibb seeks to ensure that its efforts resonate with diverse audiences and effectively address the unique challenges they face.
Addressing Persistent Disparities in Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a complex and often aggressive form of blood cancer that disproportionately affects certain populations. For example, African Americans are more likely to develop the disease and may experience differences in diagnosis and treatment outcomes compared to other groups.
These disparities are influenced by a range of factors, including access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and systemic inequities within the healthcare system. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond medical treatment to include education, community engagement, and policy advocacy.
The Standing in the Gaap initiative is designed to tackle these issues by raising awareness, improving access to information, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. By expanding the program’s reach and incorporating new data-driven insights, Bristol Myers Squibb aims to make a meaningful impact on health equity in multiple myeloma care.
The Role of Advocacy and Collaboration
Collaboration with advocacy organizations is a cornerstone of the program’s success. These organizations bring valuable expertise and a deep understanding of patient needs, helping to ensure that initiatives are both relevant and effective.
Dr. Joseph Mikhael, Chief Medical Officer of the International Myeloma Foundation, подчеркнул the importance of incorporating patient and caregiver perspectives into efforts to improve care. He noted that too often, discussions about multiple myeloma occur without fully capturing the voices of those directly affected.
By working closely with advocacy groups and engaging patients at scale, the survey initiative provides an opportunity to translate lived experiences into actionable insights. This collaborative approach helps identify areas where support is lacking and where targeted interventions can make a meaningful difference.
Bristol Myers Squibb plans to share the findings from the survey with key stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem, including clinicians, policymakers, advocacy groups, and industry partners. These insights will be used to inform future programming, partnerships, and engagement strategies, ensuring that the company’s efforts remain aligned with the evolving needs of the multiple myeloma community.
The ultimate goal is to create a more equitable and effective system of care, where all patients—regardless of background or circumstances—have access to the resources and support they need to manage their disease.
The evolution of the Standing in the Gaap program represents a significant step forward in Bristol Myers Squibb’s commitment to addressing disparities in multiple myeloma care. By expanding its reach, launching a large-scale national survey, and embracing a listening-led approach, the company is taking meaningful steps to better understand and address the challenges faced by underserved communities.
As the program enters its next phase, it serves as a powerful example of how collaboration, innovation, and a focus on equity can drive progress in healthcare. Through continued engagement with patients, caregivers, and advocacy organizations, Bristol Myers Squibb aims to translate insights into action, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals living with multiple myeloma and advancing the broader goal of health equity.
About Bristol Myers Squibb: Transforming Patients’ Lives Through Science
At Bristol Myers Squibb, our mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. We are pursuing bold science to define what’s possible for the future of medicine and the patients we serve.
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