Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout our organization. As a result of our network-wide efforts, Hackensack Meridian Health has been named No. 1 in the U.S. onDiversity Inc.’s “Top Hospitals & Health Systems” list for 2023. Hackensack Meridian Health's Health Equity Strategy emphasizes:
- Cultural competency training
- Data collection and stratification
- Dimensions of team member and physician well-being
- Diversity and inclusion in leadership and governance
- Strengthening community partnerships
Our commitment to DEI is one of our seven strategic priorities, emphasizing the importance of an equitable and inclusive environment.
Four Pillars of DEI
We have identified four pillars of focus to address disparities and health care inequities:
- Patient Care & Outcomes: Enhancing patient care and outcomes to create more equitable health care.
- Community: Supporting and strengthening partnerships with the diverse communities we serve.
- Workforce: Attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the advancement of diverse talent to drive innovation and growth.
- Supplier Diversity: Engaging and supporting local and diverse businesses with a focus on historically underrepresented business owners.
Statements on Diversity
Our Antiracism Statement
At Hackensack Meridian Health, we stand against racism of all forms. We acknowledge that systemic, structural racism is the root cause of many social determinants of health and that it has a detrimental impact on our patients, staff and the communities we serve. We are intentional in our efforts to address the systemic structures that perpetuate racism and contribute to health care disparities. Leadership starts at the top and our comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion governance structure ensures leadership accountability that is inclusive of team member engagement at all levels. Additionally, our blueprint for antiracism provides a roadmap for action as we work to address challenges, disparities in health care, inclusion and equity for all.As we continue on this journey, our commitment is to Keep Getting Better.
Listening to Understand Campaign
In response to the tragic murder of George Floyd, we have increased our focus on fostering cultural competency among team members. Our Listening to Understand Campaign encourages our 36,000 team members to participate in difficult conversations about race, social justice, socioeconomic and other issues with leaders and colleagues.
In addition to regular Listening to Understand discussions, we host an Annual Day of Understanding which is a time for leaders to hold special huddles with teams focused on candid conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion.
Governance Structure
- Set diversity goals and articulate efforts for meeting them
- Embed diversity and inclusion into systems and strategy
- Lead inclusively and incentivize others to do the same
- Provide governance and oversight to DEI efforts
- Sponsor and support DEI efforts approved by DEIAC
- Lead in a culturally competent way
- Monitor progress
- Articulate and reinforce the business case for DEI
- Lead all audiences toward a sustained commitment to DEI
- Identify barriers to DEI initiatives and solutions to overcome
- Inform leadership on progress
- Sponsor and support DEI efforts presented by corporate DEI
- Understand diversity goal performance
- Identify site-specific diversity initiatives to be addressed by local teams
- Address health equity strategic initiatives at the local site level
- Enhance team member engagement
- Support recruitment, retention and talent development
- Help build our brand and reputation within target communities
- Support organization goals and help drive innovation