Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

“Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity.”

– Robert Alan Silverstein

How UCLA Health’s Black Leadership Coalition rallied to launch a new health equity initiative

After the death of George Floyd, they came together to support each other – and the Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion framework was born.

Lakers legends talk sports, activism and healthy living

Former teammates Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy and Michael Cooper discussed racial equity, social justice, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine during a UCLA Health Black History month event.

UCLA Health general service staff with his parents, wearing masks and holiding vaccination cards in hands.

More than 180 elderly family members of health system employees in the division of general services, including cooks, cleaning staff, and temperature screeners, were vaccinated on Sunday, Feb. 21.

Why is Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (HEDI) at UCLA Health important?

At UCLA Health, we believe a diverse and inclusive health care workforce and environment results in better care, service and health outcomes for our patients. We also believe that our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion will result in greater productivity, innovation and engagement of our staff and patients.

UCLA Health welcomes all people and values their unique characteristics and experiences. We are committed to building stronger work relationships with each other and providing high-quality, equitable health care to the diverse patient populations that we serve.

How does UCLA Health define Health Equity?

Health Equity is when everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

How does UCLA Health define Equity, Diversity and Inclusion?

Equity is when everyone has fair and just opportunities to achieve equitable outcomes regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, culture, national origin, religious beliefs, age, disability status or political perspective.
Diversity is a variety of personal experiences, values and world views that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. Such differences include race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, culture, national origin, religious beliefs, age, disability status or political perspective. We value and respect our collective similarities and differences.
Inclusion is when everyone feels welcomed, engaged and valued.

UCLA Health - HEDI - Five Objectives - October 2020 - FINAL from UCLA Health on Vimeo.

What we believe:

Change must happen now to strive toward racial justice and equity
Equity, diversity and inclusion = greater productivity, innovation and engagement
Diverse, inclusive workforce enhances patient care, service and health outcomes
Ongoing racially-based social and health injustices teach us we need to do more together
Collaboration is essential to clinical care, research, education, community engagement

We are committed to:

Advancing equity and justice for staff and the diverse patients and communities we serve
Intentional actions embracing anti-racism and anti-bias principles
Comprehensive review of programs and practices to identify opportunities for improvement
Regular, ongoing dialogue with staff to co-develop detailed action plans

What’s underway?

UCLA Health became one of the first health care systems in the country to fund an executive position and office to advance health equity among all patient populations
We’ve created a new position, made an interim appointment and launched a national search – Chief of Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We’ve implemented equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-bias training requirement for managers and executives
We are increasing efforts to recruit, train, and promote a diverse workforce and management positions
We are identifying areas of underserved populations to expand access to health care
We are developing new data structures and programs to ensure equitable care to diverse patients and communities

What is the Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Framework?

We’ve developed a comprehensive plan with 5 key objectives to advance health equity, diversity and inclusion.

Advance access, equity and opportunity among staff
Support organizational learning to achieve cultural humility, anti-racism and bias elimination
Build a supportive workplace and clinical environment
Ensure equitable patient access, care and service
Enhance community service and engagement

Contact Us

We welcome your ideas on how to best co-develop our future steps to achieve an equitable and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and circumstances. Contact UCLA Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at equity@mednet.ucla.edu

"Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced."

– James Baldwin