Last February, our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council (DEI), with the help of its Diversity Recognition Work Group, held the first annual Southcoast Health celebration of Black History Month. Little did we know at the time what the ensuing months had in store for all of us.

At this writing, there have been 437,000 deaths, 26 million recorded cases and estimates of an actual 100 million cases of COVID-19. Mortality continues to disproportionately impact people of color, with Indigenous, Black and Hispanic people suffering at higher rates. The subject of healthcare disparities has existed for years, and their devastating impact has never been more deeply felt.

Still, we battle on, together. As we commemorate Black History Month this year, we are proud to see many Black citizens and other people of color advancing their careers and embracing new leadership roles: locally, nationally and across the country.

At Southcoast Health, there is much work being done to create a more supportive and inclusive culture for our employees and patients. In June, Southcoast Health’s first Employee Resource Group (ERG), the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Coalition, was launched, and critical goals are being established:

• Our Diversity Recruiting strategy, initiated early last fall, has yielded a year-over-year increase in racial minorities (+20.6%) and females (+10.3%) being hired for leadership positions.
• Policy updates are being written that focus on employee rights and responsibilities.
• Culturally responsive educational sessions are being planned to enable all of us to work with patients and colleagues in the most cohesive and respectful way.
• Martin Luther King Day will replace President’s Day as an observed holiday starting in 2022, announced by President and CEO Keith Hovan on January 18.

While we are proud of our accomplishments, we know we still have much more work to do. Let’s join together and recognize Black History Month by actively participating in planned events and programs. Here is our 2021 poster with a summary of the events, and a poster of the delicious menu items to be prepared and served in each of our hospital cafes.

Southcoast employees, providers and staff will be featured on a live virtual panel, in our Southcoast Weekly newsletter, Southcoast.org and on social media, far and wide, with a focus on career choices and development. Click below to register and stay tuned for additional communications as the month progresses.

The BLM Coalition invites all Black colleagues and allies to join in their work toward positive change and action, networking and growth.

With great respect, gratitude and pride,

Barbara Schmidt
Director of Organizational Culture and Engagement
Chair, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council
Southcoast Health