Hackensack Meridian Health Participates in First Annual Day of Understanding to Advance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace

The network joins 2,000 other organizations and corporations across the nation

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most integrated health network, is proud to participate in CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion’s “Day of Understanding,” one of the largest initiatives to host candid conversations and help advance diversity, equity and  inclusion in the workplace.

“New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in the nation and we are deeply committed to ensuring that there is equality and opportunity for all in our hospitals and care locations," said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “It’s more important than ever to foster conversations in the workplace about sensitive and vital issues about race, ethnicity and inclusion for all."

Mr. Garrett has joined nearly 2,000 CEOs across the country in signing The CEO Action Pledge, which outlines specific actions to cultivate a trusting work environment, expand unconscious bias education and create and share strategic inclusion and diversity plans with boards. Collectively, these CEOs committed to take bold action and drive progress for inclusion and equality, address racism and injustice in our workplace and communities, and mobilize the business community collectively across industries and regions to enact change.

“Together, with our colleagues who are participating in the CEO Action Pledge across the nation, we have the power  to change how millions of people talk to their colleagues about tough topics, fostering an inclusive culture and moving the needle toward a more just and equitable future," said Avonia Richardson-Miller, EdD, MA, vice president, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Hackensack Meridian Health.

The strategy nationwide provides leaders in more than 2,000 organizations with an opportunity to connect with and inspire change for more than 13 million team members. As part of the day, Hackensack Meridian Health will ensure there are opportunities for team members to engage in virtual or socially distant group discussions with their leaders, and gain insights from their colleagues on real-life experiences in the workplace and community.

“This vital initiative has the full support of the Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees," said Frank L. Fekete, CPA, board chairman. “We are deeply committed to ensuring that our entire organization is committed to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in our patient care locations throughout the state."

The pledge is just the latest step the network has taken on the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in the network. Other major initiatives include:

In response to the racial and social unrest after the George Floyd tragedy in 2020, HMH piloted its Listening To Understand (LTU) Campaign, facilitating difficult conversations among team members and leadership.

Establishing a network-wide goal for 2021 tying executive compensation to measurable metrics focused on increasing the representation of underrepresented team members in leadership positions at HMH targeting Black, Latinx and Asians.

Appointing the first African American male to HMH’s Board of Trustees.  John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, who is a board member and former chairman of the board for the National Black Chamber of Commerce, with 150 affiliate chapters and more than 15 international affiliates, joined HMH's Board in January 2021.

Appointing the first African American female to lead HMH’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department.   Avonia Richardson-Miller, EdD, MA, BS, was promoted to Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in January 2021, replacing Wayne Boatwright, who served for 15 years as Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for the network.

Appointing HMH’s first African-American female Vice President of Social Determinants of Health. Nicole Harris-Hollingsworth, EdD, MCHES, joined HMH in August 2020, and leads the development and implementation of network wide social determinant of health strategies across the HMH network.

Nine of our hospitals have earned the Healthcare Equality Index Certification.  This designation signals to LGBTQ patients and allies that the healthcare facility has met the foundational elements of LGBTQ patient-centered care.

Launched Maternal Health Blue Ribbon Task Force to address unacceptable disparities in maternal outcomes in New Jersey. The Maternal Health Awareness symposium in January included participation by NJ First Lady Tammy Murphy.