Hackensack Meridian Health and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey Host Virtual Supplier Diversity Showcase

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network, celebrated Black History Month by hosting a series of events throughout the month of February. To wrap up the month-long celebration, the health network partnered with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey to host a Supplier Diversity Showcase, which featured 11 minority-owned businesses from across the country.

“Hackensack Meridian Health is committed to being a leader of positive change in the communities we serve,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “It is important for us to end disparities in healthcare by advancing diversity and inclusion – whether that be through initiatives like diversifying our leadership team, promoting a more inclusive workplace or diversifying our supply chain. We certainly have more work to do, and I look forward to continuing to build a compassionate, diverse network that reflects the diversity that makes our state so great."

Participating businesses in the Supplier Diversity Showcase included: Broughton Pharmaceuticals, UniWorld Group, Inc. (UWG), Y-Not Design & Manufacturing, Siebert Williams Shank, Loop Capital Markets, Jasfel Analytics, Technology Concepts Group International, FCC Consulting Services, Daida, Bridge Builders Newark and Falkbuilt Morristown.

"Within the membership of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) we have several strong and innovative businesses that are open to the opportunity to provide value," said John E. Harmon, Sr., president and CEO, AACCNJ, and Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees Member. "We are thankful to Bob Garrett and the professionals at Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) for providing a platform which allowed these enterprises to compete for an opportunity to provide value, through diversity, equity and inclusion. I am pleased to collaborate with HMH in this critical work to promote diversity and reduce racial disparities in care. Hackensack Meridian Health's Supplier Diversity Showcase is the first of many that will not only diversify the network’s supply chain but boost the competitiveness of New Jersey’s economy through lasting connections between state leaders and participating businesses.”

“This showcase is a culmination of Hackensack Meridian Health's Black History Month events, and it highlights the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s role in expanding opportunities for underrepresented business owners across the state and beyond,” said Avonia Richardson-Miller, E.d.D, MA, CDE®, senior vice president and chief diversity officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “Our work to advance diversity and inclusion extends beyond Black History Month, as we work every single day to eliminate gaps in health outcomes and foster an environment that delivers culturally competent, compassionate, patient-centered care.”

Other Black History Month events hosted by Hackensack Meridian Health include:

• Screening the film "Toxic: A Black Woman's Story." The film follows a pregnant Black woman and the systemic hurdles expecting Black mothers face regarding maternal care. The American Hospital Association provided Hackensack Meridian Health with the film as part of its commitment to developing cultural competence, awareness and health equity in the healthcare industry. After each screening, Hackensack Meridian Health hosted a panel discussion featuring experts and staff to foster meaningful conversation and understanding.
• Partnered with the Black Team Member Resource Group, where physicians and staff united to support each other, and learned from each other's unique and shared experiences.
• Showcased success stories via internal and external communications of inspiring and accomplished Black team members who are making a difference inside and outside the walls of the network’s hospitals.