Embedding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion into our Cultures and Values

At Garnet Health we are dedicated to embedding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion into our organization’s culture and values, with the goal of better meeting the healthcare needs of our patients, providers, staff, and community members. 

In 2022, Gallup reported that nationwide, there were substantial differences between White, Black and Hispanic patients when it came to availability of quality healthcare, ease of access, the time healthcare providers spent with them, and frequency of discrimination based on race or ethnicity they experienced within the healthcare system. 

To continue to successfully recognize and meet the on-going needs of our workers and community members, the Diversity Steering Committee was created to guide diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, creating an environment where employees, patients, and families feel safe being who they are, while addressing concerns related to race and equality.

Diversity - the presence of differences that may include race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, (dis)ability, age, religious commitment, or political perspective.  

Equity - promoting justice, impartiality and fairness within the procedures, processes, and distribution of resources by an institution or system.  Tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within our society.

Inclusion - ensuring those that are diverse actually feel and are included, valued, and welcomed. Inclusion occurs when individuals, programs, and institutions are truly inviting to all, and diverse individuals are able to participate fully in the decision-making processes and development opportunities within an organization or group.

Achieving health equity requires the diversity of perspectives, values, and insights, and the Diversity Steering Committee is one of the important steps Garnet Health is taking to better serve our workforce, patients and communities. 

The Committee is currently working to improve cultural competence, workforce diversity, and community engagement throughout our healthcare system. If you have any suggestions or improvements that you believe the Committee should be aware of or consider, please contact: Ann-Marie Neville, aneville@garnethealth.org or by phone 845-333-7174.