Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month and PFAnetwork’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, we asked our Advisors to share some advice for a hospital leader interested in hosting conversations about race and health equity in their hospital.
Perhaps they are beginning their community engagement journey and are not sure how to get started. What things should they consider? What should they keep in mind? What should they avoid?
To get the conversation started, we have shared responses from Advisors Patrick Gee, LaToshia Rouse, and Denean Greene Rivers below, and we thank them for their thoughtful contributions.
Be well.
Libby Hoy
PFCCpartners, Founder and CEO
Written by: Patrick Gee
I would recommend beginning with an internal scope of self.
First, ask yourself the tough questions regarding cultural competency, understanding oppressive rhetoric that marginalized communities endure in the form of racial microaggressions, institutional biases, and the dehumanizing experience an impoverished person of color feels when seeking care.
Secondly, familiarize yourself with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948. These rights pertain to every human being in this world and are established as a protective measure to give all races and ethnicities the privilege to live in a free society as equals.
Lastly, I would recommend visiting the nearest underserved community and conversing with the residents. Find out their needs and expectations and how your organization can address their concerns. By doing these three things, you are well on your way to establishing trust and transparency.
There is more work to establish a thriving, diverse and inclusive healthcare system, but this is a good start. Remember that you can contact PFCC partners for further assistance in this area.
You are to be commended for your courageous attempt at reconciling broken communities of color. Just remember why you chose to work in the healthcare community and let your humanity guide your steps.
Written by: LaToshia Rouse
Here are a few things I would want a facilitator to know:
• The history of how we got here is very important. Before engaging, attempt to understand as much as possible about race, ethnicity, and language.
• Each facilitator should have had their own experience/conversation before facilitating.
• Create good set of group rules and pre-chosen topics for people engaging in the conversation.
• Join with a person of color. If not a person of color, join with someone who is to model how collaboration can be beneficial.
• Know that it will get uncomfortable at times, and keep going.
Written by: Denean Greene Rivers
Meet me at the TABLE, My Table!
Step away from the board room table, where I don't have a seat or a say.
Step away from the bed side table, where I am most vulnerable.
Step away from the surgical table, where you hold the fate of my life in your hands.
Step away from the examination table, where I am exposed in all my nakedness.
Step away from the imaging table, where my illness and injuries are magnified.
Step away from the therapy tables, where OT, PT, and speech aren't so private.
Step away from the insured/uninsured table, where I am divided by ability or inability to pay.
Sit down at my table, where your seat has sat empty for 400 years.
Sit down at my table, where the community gathers to share stories of survival.
Sit down at my table, where we stretch food for 2 into meals for 10.
Sit down at my table, where hospitality is abundant, and love affirms.
Sit down at my table, where you can see diversity is not a disadvantage.
Sit down at my table, where solutions are made hand in hand with willing hearts.
Sit down at my table, the roundtable where all voices are welcome.
