Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI)
Mission, Vision, and Core Values
Created in October 2010, the UNMH Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion leads the effort to make sure that every UNMH patient receives the safest, most effective, most sensitive medical care possible, regardless of the patient’s race, ethnicity, or any other group identity. We do this through data collection and analysis; community collaboration; cultural “competence” training, education and consulting; and process improvement.
Our vision is to become a nationally-recognized leader in diversity, equity and inclusion in U.S. healthcare; sought after for our innovation, creativity, significant results, and expertise, particularly regarding the populations we serve.
Our core values are:
Integrity – we are only effective to the extent that we embody the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our office culture, and in our work. To paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi, we aim to “be the change we wish to see in the world.” Not only do we keep our word, but we consciously strive to acknowledge, understand, celebrate, and include our many differences in our communication, planning, and decision making. We mindfully identify and own our own biases, perceptions, and contributions to problems, such that we become conscious, empowered actors in effecting change. (Integrity is also an HSC core value, and one of the UNMH Standards of Performance.)
Compassion – we understand that we are at the forefront of massive and necessary change with regards to how healthcare is structured, delivered, consumed, and experienced in the United States. To paraphrase Manuel Clouthier, healthcare “will change – with us, without us, or in spite of us.” We therefore have great compassion as we do this difficult and important work; for ourselves, for others doing this work, for our patients, and for those who are struggling with this change. (Compassion is also an HSC core value.)
Creative Vision – we focus our work towards manifesting what we do want in healthcare and the world; we do not focus on working against, or destroying, what we don’t want. Mother Teresa said, “I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there.” We understand that we can co-create lasting positive change only if we are clear about what it is we want to create, and take action on that vision.
Quality – we do excellent, high quality work that is effective, efficient, and timely. As John Wooden said, “If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” The work we produce, and the relationships we build, reflect a commitment to the highest level of professionalism. We are mindful stewards of financial, material, and environmental resources. (Quality is also one of the UNMH Pillars of Excellence, and Professionalism is one of the UNMH Standards of Performance.)
Effective Communication – we recognize that our work and relationships are enhanced, or crippled, by our ability and willingness to communicate effectively. This is especially vital when working within, and across, multiple differences. To quote George Bernard Shaw, “the single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has been achieved.” We practice effective communication with each other, our organization, and the community at large by (1) communicating as clearly and honestly as possible, (2) communicating information broadly, inclusively, and consistently, (3) owning and expressing our contributions to any conflict or misunderstanding, (4) ensuring others hear and understand our messages as accurately as possible, (5) taking the initiative to clarify others’ messages, (6) checking assumptions for accuracy before acting on those assumptions, (7) swiftly and directly addressing conflicts and misunderstandings, and (8) attending to hurt feelings as well as misunderstood ideas. (Communication is also one of the UNMH Standards of Performance.)