Addressing Racism in Health Care

During the past year, few issues dominated the national conversation more than racism. University Hospitals has joined the City of Cleveland in denouncing racism as a public health crisis. We are committed to elevating awareness and eliminating health care disparities. Our efforts were recognized when Modern Healthcare named UH to their 2021 Class of Top Diversity Leaders for our emerging work toward creating a true sense of belonging for our caregivers and the patients we serve.

Through efforts guided by our Social Justice & Equity Committee and Office of Community Impact, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (CEDI), University Hospitals is building an inclusive, encouraging, and caring culture with:

• Cultural insight and unconscious bias training for caregivers and leaders • Satcher Clerkships for underrepresented minority medical students • Partnerships with non-profit health initiatives to promote wellness in all communities • Workforce development • Health Scholars as a pipeline for high school students interested in the medical field • Leadership development programs • Assessed minority hiring, compensation, and advancement in partnership with HR • Designated Minority and Women business spend for the Ahuja Phase 2 construction • 38 caregiver focus groups to gather insights into developing future initiatives • Monthly Lunch & Learn virtual and interactive discussions around issues important to LGBTQ+, Latino, AAPI, Black and women caregivers.

Our accomplishments to date are not nearly enough. We have far to go in our journey to diversity, inclusion and equity.