Baylor Scott & White Health’s Post

Oh, all the buzz about black history month, as if our history should be contained by and celebrated in a single month. Each day this month, I'll be the bearer of bad news, posting very disturbing facts about black women in the workforce. These should be of deep concern to every employer and motivate you to do something about it, rather than extend lip service to us through your social media accounts. Here's fact number 6: "Using data from the American Community Survey, we found that Black women are more overrepresented than any other demographic group in health care and are heavily concentrated in some of its lowest-wage and most hazardous jobs. ...23% are employed in the health care sector, and among this group, Black women have the highest probability of working in the long-term-care sector, 37%, and in licensed practical nurse or aide occupations, 42%. Our findings link Black women’s position in the labor force to the historical legacies of sexism and racism, dating back to the division of care work in slavery and domestic service. (Dill & Duffy, 2022)"

On this Juneteenth, Ōmcare takes a moment to reflect on the profound significance of this day in American history. The day when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and enslaved people were now free...two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. As we commemorate this moment in American history, we must also confront the harsh reality that the legacy of slavery and systemic racism persists in our society today. The fight for true equality, justice, and freedom remains an ongoing struggle. At Ōmcare, we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords – they are core values that we must actively embody and champion each and every day. We are committed to creating a workplace culture where every employee, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background, feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. But we recognize that this commitment must extend beyond the confines of our organization. We have a responsibility to be advocates for change in our communities and in society at large. We invite all of our employees, partners, and customers to join us in reflecting on the significance of Juneteenth, engaging in honest and courageous conversations about race and justice, and taking meaningful steps to create a more equitable world.

April celebrates both Diversity Month and National Minority Health Month, providing an opportunity to recognize and honor the diversity of the world around us while also addressing the disproportionate burden of premature death and illness in racial and ethnic minority groups. Diversity Month acknowledges and embraces the diverse cultures, perspectives, and identities that make up our society. It promotes inclusivity and fosters an understanding and appreciation for the richness that diversity brings to our lives. As part of National Minority Health Month, we're are encouraged to take action to address health disparities that exist among racial/ethnic minorities and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Learn more > https://lnkd.in/gN-_uQy9

Intersectional Approach to Human Rights Dean's approach to human rights advocacy is characterized by its intersectionality, recognizing that various forms of oppression and discrimination are often interconnected. This holistic perspective is evident in the breadth of causes he has championed throughout his career. His activism has included campaigns against anti-Semitism, reflecting his commitment to combating religious and ethnic discrimination. As an anti-war activist, Dean has consistently advocated for peaceful conflict resolution and nuclear disarmament, understanding the profound impact that war and nuclear weapons have on human rights. Dean has also been a vocal supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights, providing feedback to international bodies on issues affecting this community. His advocacy in this area demonstrates his understanding that human rights must encompass all aspects of identity and that true justice can only be achieved when all individuals are free from discrimination and persecution. In addition, Dean has been a strong opponent of laws that criminalize poverty. Instead, he advocates for compassionate social policies that uphold human dignity and address the root causes of economic inequality. This stance reflects his belief that economic rights are intrinsically linked to other human rights and that poverty is often both a cause and consequence of human rights violations. Ethical Innovation and Technology Beyond his work in traditional human rights advocacy, Dean has demonstrated a keen interest in the intersection of technology and human rights. Recognizing the profound impact that technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), can have on society, Dean has become a vocal advocate for ethical innovation. His efforts in this area focus on promoting AI regulation that protects human rights and ensures transparency and accountability in technological development. Dean understands that while AI and other emerging technologies have the potential to greatly benefit humanity, they also pose significant risks if not developed and deployed ethically. By advocating for responsible AI development, Dean is helping to shape a future where technological progress aligns with human rights principles, ensuring that innovation serves to enhance rather than undermine human dignity and freedom.

April is Minority Health Month, and as a proud graduate of Meharry Medical College, I am thrilled to shed light on the importance of health equity for minority communities. 🌍🩺 🙌🏽 Did you know that black physicians play a vital role in addressing health disparities and promoting equitable healthcare? Here are some eye-opening statistics: 1️⃣ Representation Matters: Black physicians make up only 5% of the physician workforce in the United States, despite comprising approximately 13% of the population. Our presence in healthcare is crucial for bridging the gaps in access and quality of care for minoritized populations and communities. 👩🏾⚕️👨🏾⚕️ 2️⃣ Addressing Health Disparities: Black physicians have a unique understanding of the challenges faced by minoritized patients. Studies have shown that patients of color are more likely to receive culturally competent care, improved patient satisfaction, and better health outcomes when they are treated by healthcare professionals who share their racial or ethnic background. 3️⃣ Community Advocacy: Black physicians often serve as advocates for health equity, working tirelessly to address the social drivers of health that disproportionately impact minoritized populations. By addressing systemic issues such as poverty, racism, and unequal access to healthcare, we strive to create a healthier and more equitable society. 💪🏾❤️ 💡 During Minority Health Month, let's celebrate the contributions of Black physicians and clinicians and their relentless pursuit of health equity. Together, we can: ✅ Advocate for policies that eliminate healthcare disparities and ensure equitable access to quality care for all. ✅ Promote diversity and inclusion in the healthcare workforce to better reflect the populations we serve. ✅ Raise awareness about the impact of social drivers of health on minoritized populations and work towards systemic change. ✅ Empower individuals to take control of their health through education, preventive care, and health promotion initiatives. 🌟 Join me in acknowledging the incredible work of Black physicians and healthcare professionals who are making a difference in the lives of patients every day. Together, let's continue to drive change, break down barriers, and create a future where health equity is a reality for all. #MinorityHealthMonth #HealthEquity #MeharryProud #DiverseMedicine #BlackPhysicians #CommunityAdvocacy #Inclusion #Empowerment #RepresentationMatters

Intentional Diversity to Expand Women’s Health Equity Women's health solutions need to be tailored to the specific needs and experiences of different populations, especially black women who often face unique challenges in accessing quality care. I have had the opportunity to engage with black women and learn about the disparities they face in healthcare. These disparities include mental health strain, neglect in medical care, delayed diagnoses, and dismissal of symptoms due to implicit racial biases. Pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers must address these issues and work towards more equitable care for all women. I encourage the recognition and support of black health practitioners who are advocating for change in this area. By amplifying their voices and efforts, we can make meaningful progress toward improving women's health outcomes for all. #medicalcare #healthequity #healthcareproviders #qualitycare

As we mark Human Rights Day on December 10 and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are reminded about the importance of fostering dignity, equality, and justice for all. Find out in our Human Rights Report 2023 what Philips is doing to uphold #humanrights and drive #sustainability, both within our organization and throughout our value chain: https://lnkd.in/eDXjdGKz

As we mark Human Rights Day on December 10 and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are reminded about the importance of fostering dignity, equality, and justice for all. Find out in our Human Rights Report 2023 what Philips is doing to uphold #humanrights and drive #sustainability, both within our organization and throughout our value chain: https://lnkd.in/g447ZxdH

Today I attended the first day of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NASBW) conference. Not only am I excited to attend for the first time—Dr. Sapphire Boone has graciously invited me to co-present on a topic close to my heart: "Reimagining Competence and Exploring Alternative Pathways to Licensure through Policy Advocacy." This presentation is not just a speaking opportunity for me; it's a chance to shine a light on the crucial work done in support of SB871, alongside dedicated advocates. It's a narrative about channeling my rage into productive advocacy, inspired by the trailblazers of the #STOPASWB movement. The National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) has historically been a vocal critic of the current licensure process, yet, all too often, their voices are excluded from policy discussions. This presentation is my homage to those pioneers, a reminder to everyone in attendance—and to the broader Social Work Field—that the voices of black social workers are indispensable, especially in legislative arenas. To say I'm honored is an understatement. This is a moment of humility and pride—a chance to remind us all that standing on the shoulders of giants gives us the vantage point not just to see further, but to speak louder and more effectively. As I prepare for my presentation tomorrow, I am reminded of the power of advocacy, the importance of inclusive dialogue, and the enduring strength of a community united for change. Here's to making every moment count! #NASBW56 #SocialWork #PolicyAdvocacy #ABSW #SocialWorkLicensure #CommunityChange

As we mark Human Rights Day on December 10 and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are reminded about the importance of fostering dignity, equality, and justice for all. Find out in our Human Rights Report 2023 what Philips is doing to uphold #humanrights and drive #sustainability, both within our organization and throughout our value chain: https://lnkd.in/gm4mgnvi