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Diversity and Inclusion

HSS is committed to providing high-quality care and skilled, compassionate, reliable service to our community in a safe and healing environment. Consistent with this commitment, HSS admits and treats patients, and provides all care and services without regard to age, race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, national origin, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, veteran or military status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law or by accreditation standards.

HSS Honors Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – January 17, 2022

On this day we celebrate the birth, life and leadership of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his significant contributions to nonviolent activism and the American Civil Rights Movement. A prominent leader and advocate for racial equity, Dr. King became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at 35 years old in 1964. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service. In the spirit of Dr. King, it is a time to promote equal rights for all and unite and strengthen our communities through service.

 Everyone can be great, because anybody can serve. - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
 

Here are some virtual opportunities you can participate in to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King as a “day on, not off”:

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Your opinion makes an impact.

Help us make our communities more healthy, active and well by completing our anonymous Community Health Needs Assessment.

 Take the survey

Live in New York State and need health insurance?

You can apply for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and purchase a qualified health plan during open enrollment. View the PDF below for more information.

Our Initiatives and Ongoing Education

HSS strives to deliver optimal care and services to all of our patients by adopting initiatives, behaviors, attitudes, and policies that enhance cultural competency and inclusion while serving a multicultural population. We believe that healthcare services that are respectful of and responsive to health beliefs, practices, and cultural and linguistic needs of diverse patients help to foster positive health outcomes.

Healthcare Equality Index - LGBTQ LeaderHSS has been recognized as a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality for the sixth consecutive year by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization in the US. Consistent with our mission of providing the highest quality care for all, this recognition is a testament to our collective effort to raise awareness, provide training and implement best practices around caring for LGBTQ+ community and fostering inclusivity. Read our LGBTQ Committee Mission Statement.

HSS marching at Gay Pride Parade 2018
HSS is a proud bronze sponsor of NYC Pride 2021.
 

The 2020 designation was a part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2020, a unique annual survey that promotes equal care for LGBTQ Americans and recognizes healthcare institutions doing the best work to enhance their quality of life and experience.

We are proud of our organization-wide efforts to enhance awareness and clinical care practice specifically for LGBTQ populations through:

  • Mandatory annual staff development trainings for all employees
  • Gender identity and sexual orientation data collection to guide clinical care and assess quality
  • Ongoing institutional policies that foster optimal and sensitive care for LGBTQ patients, their family members and loved ones
  • An interdisciplinary LGBTQ Committee that addresses concerns and clinical care issues related to the LGBTQ population.
 

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBTQ) Committee Mission Statement

  • Monitor external and internal environment for policies, education, communications and best practices that will contribute to an overall healthcare experience for the LGBTQ community that is consistent with our commitment to excellence.
  • Plan, create and implement appropriate education interventions, guidelines, and policies that promote the highest quality patient experiences for our LGBTQ patients; treat them with respect and address any LGBTQ-specific concerns/issues.
  • Assess and address gaps in care, practice and education.
  • Identify and address any health disparities related to the LGBTQ population.
  • The Committee will report to the Patient Experience Council.

Executive Sponsor: Susan Flics, VP, Operations
Team Leader: Jillian Rose, Director, Community Engagement, Diversity & Research

 

Current educational initiatives

If you have any questions regarding community engagement and diversity initiatives please contact us.