There needs to be a world of difference in the health care we provide today. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the country is rapidly becoming more diverse. By 2050, racial and ethnic minority groups are predicted to make up almost half of the population – and with it the immediate need to address cultural differences and health disparities. At Yale New Haven Health, we are working to take a responsive, respectful approach that embraces a broad definition of diversity to build tangible, proactive programs that will lead to healthier outcomes for our patients and a more supportive, productive environment for our employees.
We see that our increasingly diverse communities need healthcare professionals who reflect their different cultural backgrounds, perspectives, values and health. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work groups initiate programs that help all of our employees develop a fuller, richer understanding of diversity to enhance the care and services we provide. We also actively recruit diverse talent, because we understand that our patients will connect better with a healthcare professional when they share a similar cultural background.
At Yale New Haven Health, we believe that a team of people with diverse backgrounds can produce better ideas, better service and a genuine competitive advantage. Our dedication to cultural diversity means we concentrate on our shared strengths, unique perspectives and rich interplay of ideas and skills. This enables us to connect with and serve patients from a wide spectrum of backgrounds.
YNHHS recognized as a diversity leader
Yale New Haven Health has been named to the DiversityInc Top Hospitals & Health Systems list. The award recognizes YNHHS’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through its work and accomplishments across all levels of the organization, including in the areas of hiring, retaining and promoting women, minorities, people with disabilities, people who are LGBTQ and veterans.
We define diversity, Equity and Inclusion as any difference that sets groups and people apart, the fair treatment, access and opportunity for all people, and the provision of opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.
Aspects of personal and cultural backgrounds that reflect our community’s diverse expectations, values and communication styles may include:
YNHHS has created a system-wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy through formation of a Health System executive DE&I Committee and DE&I councils at each healthcare delivery network. The work of these teams involve helping to create an inclusive and supportive environment that embraces the diversity of our employees, patients/families, physicians, visitors and community. The teams are committed to identifying and weaving key diversity principles into day-to-day operations, promoting an understanding of unconscious bias and to foster conscious inclusion. Their work is to help leverage diversity, equity and inclusion. By actively leveraging our diverse personal and cultural backgrounds, Yale New Haven Health is establishing a supportive culture that better enables us to:
At Yale New Haven Health, employees are encouraged to participate in training and education activities that help grow personally and professionally and better serve patients regardless of background. Examples include:
Career Development
At Yale New Haven Health, we recognize the importance of investing in training and education opportunities for all employees. Employees have access to online and in person career counseling services, which can outline plans for advancement in your chosen field and help those who are interested in advanced education. Our Institute for Excellence develops leadership talent through dynamic learning experiences, including courses in communication, conflict management and valuing differences. Staff also have an opportunity to participate in an on-site School at Work program, which gives employees an opportunity to refresh or develop skills and to be better prepared as they pursue their formal education.
Culturally Competent Care Training
This year-long program for recently hired nurses helps them navigate effective communications between physicians, patients and other staff regardless of personal and cultural background.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training
Staff have access to numerous facilitator-lead trainings, e-learning modules and educational resources to increase their professional and personal levels of awareness. These courses offer unique opportunities for employees to learn how stereotypes and unconscious biases can impact the quality of care we provide to patients and how well we connect with our colleagues. Education and awareness initiatives represent a critical part in creating inclusive environments and overcoming barriers to effective communication in the workplace.
Health Equity Index Leader Status
Bridgeport, Greenwich, Lawrence + Memorial, Westerly and Yale New Haven hospitals have been awarded Top Performer status by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). The HEI is the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. A record 906 healthcare facilities actively participated in the 2022 HEI survey and 251 of those earned an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” designation.
Yale New Haven Health strives to provide opportunity to qualified business, including those owned by small, minority, women, local, veteran and service-disabled veterans. We proactively identify minority-owned businesses and offer them a chance to compete with other suppliers. We welcome the opportunity to build strong, rewarding relationships with high-quality, diverse suppliers and service providers in our communities.
