June is a month of significant diversity, equity and inclusion celebrations. Among them: Juneteenth and Pride Month. As a health system, showing your genuine support for DEI holidays and observances is important for many reasons. It’s a vital way to:
- Celebrate with your community and show them you care
- Help employees see that you’re dedicated to inclusion in the workplace
- Demonstrate your commitment to health equity
So, how can your hospital add to the conversation in an authentic way? Here are three tips to help you get started, followed by six examples of healthcare organizations that effectively support these important observances. As this month ends, we hope that these tips and examples can inspire your participation next year.
Three tips to help you authentically and effectively show your support for DEI holidays
1. Build awareness and education through guest speakers and workshops
One way you can increase diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within your healthcare organization is through guest speakers and workshops. Guest speakers are a prime opportunity for you to educate your employees about Pride Month and Juneteenth while also promoting voices in the LGBTQ+ and Black communities.
Employees can also apply their knowledge through workshops that highlight DEI efforts in healthcare. They could discuss hiring practices, health equity or inclusive communications. Whatever the topic, these initiatives can be customized to meet your organization’s DEI needs. They can also be implemented either in person or virtually, which offers flexibility for your employees.
2. Support LGBTQ+ and Black-owned businesses
LGBTQ+ and Black-owned businesses are crucial to the community — it’s important to support them consistently and mindfully. Here are just a few of the many opportunities to consider:
- Reevaluate the next place you decide to buy from.
- Host a celebration for Pride Month or Juneteenth and purchase products only from LGBTQ+ or Black-owned businesses.
- Donate to a charity that supports LGBTQ+ or Black individuals in your community.
3. Vocalize your support
It may seem simple, but vocalizing your support for Pride Month and Juneteenth is one of the most meaningful ways you can honor the significance of these holidays. Social media posts, blogs and newsletters all lend themselves as perfect platforms for recognition. This can encourage allyship among your employees and followers and promote diversity and representation.
Wondering how to best express your support? Explore these examples of several health systems that recognize the importance of these observances and support them in meaningful ways.
Hospitals and health systems that promote Pride Month
Pride is all about empowering members of the LGBTQ+ community and welcoming them into spaces that they’ve traditionally been excluded from. June has been filled with Pride Month recognition from several of our nation’s health systems. Here are a few of our favorites that can help inspire your own allyship as an organization.
1. OhioHealth
OhioHealth does a superb job of making their priorities as an organization known. Their PRIDE Business Resource Group (BRG) is an excellent resource for patients who seek culturally competent care that might be difficult to find anywhere else. Patients and employees alike are appreciated for who they are, which fosters an environment where all are welcomed. What’s more, OhioHealth offers a link to specific examples of their pride initiatives and provides accountability for their efforts.
2. Memorial Healthcare System
As you celebrate Pride Month, it’s important to also remember the struggles LGBTQ+ individuals still face — especially in healthcare. Memorial Healthcare provides the perfect reminder of these injustices while stating their organizational commitment to eliminate discrimination against LGBTQ+ patients.
3. Children’s Health
Children’s Health celebrates Pride Month by recognizing the valuable contributions and experiences diversity brings to healthcare. Their LGBTQ+ employees play a crucial role in making their patients feel welcomed and safe. They strive to be a place where everyone belongs, regardless of identity.
Hospitals and health systems that promote Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” is the longest running Black holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. However, it’s imperative that individuals and organizations continue to acknowledge the important issues that affect Black communities. Here are a few outstanding examples of health systems that recognize what Juneteenth represents — past, present and future.
1. Beth Israel Lahey Health
Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) does an excellent job of recognizing the importance of Juneteenth as a holiday while honoring those who fought for their freedoms. They also remind us that the fight for equality continues and is one they remain committed to through countless efforts being made in healthcare.
2. UW Health
When celebrating Juneteenth, community support is crucial. In recognition of the holiday, UW Health promoted their involvement with Kujichagulia Madison Center for Self-Determination. This is a memorable way to demonstrate the organization’s values beyond their healthcare practice. At the same time, it serves as a reminder of their constant efforts toward equity in their work.
3. University of Maryland Medical System
University of Maryland Medical System celebrated Juneteenth by recognizing the role diversity plays in forming their organization’s mission. Learning from diverse histories allows them to strengthen and improve the services they provide to their patients. Their post is a testament to the fact that diversity makes us stronger.
Start investing in DEI communications
Though Pride Month and Juneteenth are celebrated in June, DEI holidays and initiatives are important year-round. Patients deserve care that’s customized to their physical and emotional needs, regardless of identity. It’s crucial to have an engaged team that strives toward diversity, equity and inclusion in their work. This will help maximize the healthcare experience, especially for those who have long been discriminated against when seeking care.
Promoting these efforts online is a simple way for your organization to add to the conversation about DEI. Also continue to evaluate your practice and seek input from diverse groups to make sure these same principles are being upheld in your everyday work.
Let us help you with your DEI content — contact us today
DEI is crucial to employees, patients and the community as a whole and requires focus on its effects on these important audiences. With that in mind, head to BILH’s DEI page on their website. By clearly stating their DEI goals, BILH is being transparent with their employees and patients, and clearly demonstrating their intention to be accountable.
Want more tips? Check out our post on inclusive writing best practices.
WriterGirl is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in healthcare. If you need more help with DEI communications, we’re here. Contact us.
