In recent years, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has become key to creating a more equitable and innovative workplace. This is especially important in healthcare, where a diverse and inclusive workforce ensures patients from all backgrounds receive high-quality, culturally sensitive care.
Millions of Americans still lack access to affordable health care. True accessibility needs to be affordable and meet the cultural, linguistic and personal needs of each patient, providing a welcoming and effective experience for all. Nearly 50% of Americans are dissatisfied with the current health care system, suggesting changes are needed. Here are five companies setting the standard for industrial change.
UCLA Health
Ranked high on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for Diversity, UCLA Health has made significant progress in promoting DEI across 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 and ensure its workforce reflects its community.
The HEDI office also actively addresses health inequalities by providing a variety of resources and workshops to understand and address disparities. These measures cover a variety of key topics, including the unique healthcare challenges faced by specific populations and overcoming language barriers in healthcare settings.
The agency also engages in community outreach programs to combat stigma and raise anti-racist and anti-discrimination awareness. The organization works to develop health care policies that mitigate inequities and reduce unconscious bias.
Christina Care
ChristianaCare values the diverse backgrounds, skills and attributes that its employees bring to its corporate culture. It believes in creating an inclusive environment to transform patient care and treatment delivery. Cultural competency is a priority for ChristianaCare, allowing its medical teams to effectively address cultural and language barriers.
ChristianaCare is a private hospital network serving primarily the East Coast and is recognized by Forbes as a leading diverse organization. In addition to providing quality health care services, the organization integrates diversity into its business model, focusing on hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds and engaging in educational activities to enhance care for diverse patient populations.
Malti
Martti is a leader in medical interpreting and language access, which is critical to promoting diversity and inclusion in healthcare by bridging language and cultural barriers. The company offers a suite of on-demand video and audio interpretation services in more than 260 languages, ensuring patients receive linguistically and culturally appropriate care. Martti’s services enable 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 develop cultural competency and sensitivity, which are critical to providing 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 is proud to be among the top companies for its 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 remains committed to upholding its DEI mission through continued effort and diligence. Repeatedly recognized as one of the best children’s hospitals in the country, the organization integrates diversity, equity and inclusion into every aspect of its operations.
To promote DEI, the hospital provides diversity training for employees and actively implements inclusive practices through community outreach. In addition, Cincinnati Children’s has been named a “Best Employers” for diversity and women by Forbes and the highest rating for LGBTQ+ health care equity by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
CVS Health
CVS Health’s approach to DEI goes beyond internal initiatives to address broader issues of health care inequity. The company’s Project Health provides free screenings to underserved communities, filling a critical gap for patients who may not have access to these services. Internally, CVS’s Diversity Council advises on recruiting practices and professional development opportunities to ensure employees reflect the needs of its customers. CVS Health has invested $600 million in measures to further address this inequality.
An inclusive future
Each of these healthcare organizations demonstrates that DEI is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a multifaceted approach that requires commitment at all levels. While this work is still ongoing, these organizations are paving the way for a future where DEI is seamlessly integrated into the core of healthcare.
