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 “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation," which encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities.
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 (NYPL) to take a deeper dive into the significance of these terms.
- Gather online or in-person for an evening of poetry with Latinx authors. The New York Public Library is hosting a panel of Latinx poets on September 20, 2022. Check out the full list of NYPL events in honor of this month.
- Join an outdoor celebration. Community Day: Fiesta Latina is taking place on September 17th in Newark, NJ featuring live music, dance and more for the whole family. You can also join the annual Hispanic Day Parade taking place on October 9th.
- Visit an art exhibit. Head over to Central Park to check out Arsenal Gallery: Las Flores de mi País, an exhibition featuring the work of 20 artists and explores interpretations of Latinx culture with imagery of native flora.
- Watch a series of inspiring short stories. Take a look at several featured videos in honor of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month including this year’s PBS Short Film Festival Juried Prize Winner, Chilly & Milly.
- 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.
HSS Featured Programs & Services
- Lupus Support Program: Charla de Lupus (Lupus Chat)®
- HSS Department of Social Work Programs (en Español) YouTube Playlist
Check out our HSS Instagram and Facebook pages as we recognize Hispanic/Latinx staff in honor of National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month!
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 humility 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 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.
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.