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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 Black History Month – February 2021
Each year the month of February is recognized as Black History Month, to celebrate the achievements of the Black and African American community and their central role in American history. This year’s theme, “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” explores the richness of the Black family and the African diaspora in the United States.
Here are some virtual opportunities to celebrate Black History Month 2021:
- Learn about the origin of Black History Month. Visit the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) to read more about how this month was founded.
- Read and share literature by Black authors. Take a look at these reading lists from the New York Public Library (NYPL), and explore poetry by both classic and contemporary poets.
- Plan a virtual visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Check out their virtual exhibits.
- Join an event. The ASALH, NYC Parks and the NYPL have a calendar of events that are open to the public in honor of Black History 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 from November 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021. Download 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.