OVERVIEW

Healthcare organizations across Massachusetts aspire to improve the healthcare outcomes for the communities they serve regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood, or other social determinants of health.  For this reason, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a key strategic priority among organizations – requiring collaboration to drive progress towards equitable care.

ACHE of MA’s Diversity Leader Award serves to recognize a leading Massachusetts healthcare organization elevating the critical role of diversity in improving healthcare delivery. In highlighting the achievements of the DEI Leader recipient, this award also provides an opportunity for all organizations to gain insight on best practices and innovative solutions to addressing health disparities and approaching challenges.

ACHE of MA initiated the annual Diversity Leader Award in 2018 to assess and highlight the efforts of Massachusetts healthcare organizations driving positive DEI outcomes both within as well as outside of their organizations. ACHE members from across the state are encouraged to nominate a company by detailing how the company has created/initiated strategies and is implementing the following key criteria. Please note, success in all areas is not required to be considered for the award. Nomination submissions are due by 11:59PM on November 8, 2023, to info@massache.org

CRITERIA

• Collection and use of diversity data (e.g., race, religion, gender, nation of origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, language preference)
• Cultural competency training
• Diversity in governance and leadership
• Improving and strengthening community partnerships
• Inclusive health/wellness resources
• Incorporation of DEI into other business areas (e.g., supplier diversity, investment portfolio etc.)

AWARD FOCUS

1. Collection and use of DEI data: Examples include race, religion, gender, nation of origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, language preference, etc. Please describe the strategy your organization is taking to collect and utilize your DEI data.  What measures of success can you highlight thus far?
2. Increasing cultural competence: We are interested in internal as well as external related initiatives to increase cultural competencies. In your journey, what have been the key lessons learned, and what creative strategies did you use to make your training(s) most effective?
3. Increasing diversity in governance and leadership: What is the current status of the diversity of your organization’s governance and leadership? What steps has your organization taken to augment the make-up of your board/governance and leadership team? What is your long-term plan to sustain diversity for your board/governance and leadership team?
4. Communication and community partnerships: What forms of communication does your organization use in outreach to the community? In what ways has your organization improved and strengthened partnerships with diverse communities? Please explain and provide examples and/or metrics.
5. Resources that accommodate DEI: Does your organization provide its staff with a range of resources at both the individual level as well as an organizational level? We are particularly interested in the following:

a. Does your organization provide staff with any resilience resources? These can include access to mental health support programs, oral health services, vision/hearing screening and/or services related to social determinants of health.

b. How have you evolved your resources from an organizational standpoint to accommodate your staff? Are the resources you provide your employees with, in multiple modes/language? Do you provide your staff with flexible scheduling opportunities, telecommuting options, etc.?

6. Incorporation of DEI lens across the business: Please describe how your organization incorporates a DEI focus throughout your business. How is your organization innovating in this area? What measures of success can you highlight? Please include any other information that would distinguish your organization’s commitment to DEI.

• • Nomination submissions are due by 11:59PM on November 8, 2023, and must include:
    • Cover page
    • Detailed narrative (see above)
  • Applications should be submitted as one PDF file and sent directly to info@massache.org

The award recipient will be announced at the ACHE of MA’s December Volunteer Recognition and Awards Night. Event details to be provided by email.