In recent years, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have become essential to creating fairer, more innovative workplaces. Nowhere is this more critical than in health care, where a diverse and inclusive workforce ensures patients from all backgrounds receive quality, culturally sensitive care.
Millions of Americans still don’t have access to affordable health care. True accessibility requires affordability and the ability to meet each patient’s cultural, linguistic and personal needs, offering a welcoming and effective experience for all. Almost 50% of Americans are unsatisfied with the current health care system, hinting that change needs to happen. Here are five companies setting the standard for industry change.
UCLA Health
Rightfully earning its spot on Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Diversity list, UCLA Health has made significant strides in promoting DEI within its workforce and patient care practices. The organization’s Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (HEDI) strategy includes a comprehensive recruitment process to attract and retain diverse talent, ensuring that its staff reflects its communities.
The HEDI office also actively addresses health inequalities by offering various resources and workshops to understand and tackle disparities. These initiatives cover various critical topics, including the unique medical challenges specific populations face and overcoming language barriers in health care settings.
The institution is also involved in community outreach programs to dismantle stigma and promote anti-racism and anti-discrimination awareness. The organization strives to create medical policies that mitigate inequity and reduce unconscious bias.
ChristianaCare
ChristianaCare values the diverse backgrounds, skills and attributes employees bring to its corporate culture. It believes in fostering an inclusive environment to transform patient care and treatment delivery. Cultural competency is a top priority for ChristianaCare, enabling its health care teams to effectively address cultural and language barriers.
ChristianaCare is a private hospital network primarily serving the East Coast and has received accolades from Forbes as a leading diversity-focused organization. Beyond providing excellent health care services, the organization integrates diversity into its business model, focusing on hiring individuals from various backgrounds and engaging in education initiatives to enhance the treatment of a diverse patient population.
Martti
Martti is a leader in medical interpretation and language access, which is crucial in advancing diversity and inclusion in health care by bridging language and cultural barriers. The company offers a suite of on-demand video and audio interpretation services in over 260 languages, ensuring patients receive linguistically and culturally appropriate care. Martti’s services empower medical professionals to communicate effectively with patients of all backgrounds to enhance their experience and promote health equity.
Martti also provides resources and training to help health care teams build cultural competency and sensitivity, which are essential for delivering inclusive care. Medically qualified interpreters receive at least 120 hours of training to play their part in creating a more inclusive environment.
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital proudly ranks among the top companies recognized for their commitment to diversity. The hospital encourages a welcoming and respectful workplace where all employees feel valued. This commitment extends beyond the workplace, as Cincinnati Children’s consistently strives to uphold its DEI mission through ongoing efforts and diligence. Renowned as one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation on multiple occasions, the organization integrates diversity, equity and inclusion into every facet of its operations.
To promote DEI, the hospital provides diversity training for staff and actively implements inclusive practices through community outreach. Additionally, Cincinnati Children’s has received recognition from Forbes as a “Best Employer” for diversity and women, as well as top ratings for LGBTQ+ health care equity from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
CVS Health
CVS Health’s approach to DEI goes beyond internal initiatives by addressing broader health care inequities. The company’s Project Health offers free screenings to underserved communities, bridging critical gaps for patients who might otherwise lack access to these services. Internally, CVS’s diversity council advises on hiring practices and professional development opportunities, ensuring the workforce reflects its clientele. CVS Health has invested $600 million to further initiatives that address this inequality.
An Inclusive Future
Each of these health care organizations demonstrates that DEI is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a multifaceted approach requiring commitment at every level. While it’s still a work in progress, these organizations are paving the way for a future where DEI is seamlessly integrated into the core of health care.