Diversity and Inclusion slider
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 National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
From September 15th to October 15th each year, we observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, also known as Latinx Heritage Month. Throughout this month we celebrate the contributions, cultures and histories of people with ancestors from Central and South America, the Caribbean, Mexico and Spain.
This year’s theme is “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.”
Below are resources to honor National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month and support the community:
- Learn about the history of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month. Visit hispanicheritagemonth.gov to read more about how this month was founded.
- Read about the terminology. Hispanic, Latino/a, Latinx - what’s the difference? Take a look at this article from history.com and this blog post from the New York Public Library to take a deeper dive into the significance of these terms.
- Gather online for an evening with Latinx authors. The New York Public Library is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff event online on September 14, 2021. Check out their recommended readings.
- Join an outdoor kickoff celebration. Community Day: Fiesta Latina is taking place on September 18, 2021 in Newark, NJ featuring live music, dance and more for the whole family.
- Support local artists. Head over to Westbury, NY to check out Latinx Thriving, an art exhibit celebrating the resilience of the Hispanic/Latinx community.
- Watch a series of inspiring short stories. Produced by Latino Public Broadcasting, Latinos Are Essential features Latinos who are serving as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Take a look at the Hispanic/Latinx video collections by PBS.
- Learn more about the diverse cultures of the Hispanic/Latinx community. This collection of curated content highlights Hispanic/Latinx voices, history, traditions and contributions that shaped America.
Bilingual Survey and Event
The Latinx RA Community Support and Education Program at HSS will present a webinar in Spanish and English on physical activity with inflammatory arthritis, where we’ll be joined by a physical therapist who will answer your questions on exercise and physical activity. Please share your questions and comments through this survey to help us create an event that is most relevant to you!
El Programa de Educación y Apoyo para la Comunidad Latinx con AR de HSS hará una presentación por internet en español e inglés sobre la actividad física con IA, donde nos acompañará un fisioterapeuta que responderá sus preguntas sobre ejercicio y actividad física. Comparta sus preguntas y comentarios a través de esta encuesta para ayudarnos a crear un evento que sea más relevante para usted.
Featured Links
- Lupus Support Program: Charla de Lupus (Lupus Chat)®
- Inflammatory Arthritis Support & Education Program Webinar: COVID-19 Vaccines and Inflammatory Arthritis / Vacunas contra el COVID-19 y Artritis Inflamatoria
Check out our HSS Instagram and Facebook pages as we recognize Hispanic/Latinx staff in honor of National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month!
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.
HSS 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.
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
- REL and Gender Identity Data Collection
- The Role of Implicit Bias and Culture in Managing or Navigating Healthcare
- Heightening Awareness of Implicit Bias and Its Impact on Patient Care During COVID-19
- Achieving Health Equity: Best Practices for Working with the LGBTQ Community in the Healthcare Setting
- Assessing and Addressing Health Literacy: A Critical Skill for the Healthcare Team to Improve Patient Outcomes
- Enhancing Clinical Skills in Caring for LGBT Clients in a Hospital Setting
- Understanding Implicit Bias and its Impact on Clinical Practice, Decision Making and Achieving Optimal Health Outcomes
If you have any questions regarding community engagement and diversity initiatives please contact us.