To act deliberately and purposefully to ensure outcomes across all patient populations are equitable, leaders should know where disparities exist, ways to prevent disparities and how to create a culture and system that reduces disparities to improve quality and save lives. As part of the work of the MHA Pledge to Address Racism and Health Inequities, the MHA and the MHA Keystone Center are offering multiple events to address diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
A virtual series beginning June 30 and concluding Aug. 31 will address four DEI concepts: DEI implementation; equitable conversations; equitable messaging; equitable partnership building; and diversity pipeline development.
The June 30 webinar is an orientation from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by four webinars held from 11 a.m. through 12:15 p.m. EDT. Hospital and health system executives, including chief executive officers; medical, nursing and human resources executives; governing board members; and key DEI leaders are encouraged to participate to advance their health equity efforts. Pricing includes the entire series and is available for teams of five members and larger. To register, contact the MHA Field Engagement division by June 22 and indicate the intention to register for the DEI series, providing an email address and phone number. Registrants will be contacted for additional information to complete the process. Questions about the series should be directed to Erin Steward at the MHA.
The MHA Keystone Center and Michigan Public Health Institute are offering an additional webinar, separate from the series, from 10 to 11 a.m. EDT July 15. The event, Addressing the Confusion: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Health Equity, will address key distinctions between the phrases “diversity, equity and inclusion” and “health equity.” These phrases are often used interchangeably; however, the terms are not synonymous. Lynn Todman, PhD, and Ovell Barbee, SPHR, of Spectrum Health will use patient “personas” to illustrate the differences and points of overlap.
Additionally, Barbee will cover Spectrum Health’s framework for DEI strategy and Todman will provide an overview of the guiding principles, goals and strategic framework of health equity work. The event is offered free of charge, but registration is required. For more information on this virtual offering, contact the MHA Keystone Center.