Recognized by the Human Rights Campaign and Forbes for diversity, inclusion and equity efforts
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Novant Health is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality,” by the Human Rights Campaign and one of “America’s Best Employers for Diversity,” by Forbes for the fifth time.
“We have consciously worked to embed diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging into our organization,” said Carmen Canales, senior vice president and chief people officer, Novant Health. “We recognize that every person is different and shaped by unique life experiences, enabling us to better understand our patients, team members and the communities we serve. Diversity, inclusion and equity are ongoing commitments, and we are honored to be recognized by both the HRC Foundation and Forbes.”
Novant Health continues to cultivate a diverse, inclusive and equitable culture by providing:
- Integration of a diversity, inclusion and equity lens into strategic business imperatives.
- A strong commitment to our mission by identifying and eliminating health care disparities to provide a remarkable patient experience and equitable health outcomes for all populations.
- Ongoing diversity, inclusion and equity education for all Novant Health team members, including providers.
- Web chats and open forums to provide open dialogue among team members on topics related to diversity and inclusion, health equity, COVID-19 and social injustices.
- Business Resource Groups (BRG), which are an important part of the diversity, inclusion and equity strategy. The BRGs are organized around a common identity such as age, race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, veteran status, etc.
“Leaders in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign
Fourteen of Novant Health’s hospitals have been recognized as “Leaders in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization. This is the fifth time Novant Health has received systemwide recognition. In North Carolina, Novant Health accounts for nearly 80% of the state’s facilities garnering this distinction with each of the facilities receiving perfect scores.
The medical centers designated as “Leaders in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” are:
- Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
- Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital
- Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center
- Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
- Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital
- Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center
- Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center
- Novant Health Matthews Medical Center
- Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center
- Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
- Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center
- Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
- Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
- Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
This 15th anniversary edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) marks the fifth year that participants received a numerical score based on their LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. HEI participants received scores in four criteria: foundational policies and training, LGBTQ+ patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement.
The HEI continues to show incredible growth in the number of health care institutions that are embracing and adopting LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. A record 906 health care facilities actively participated in the survey.
“America’s Best Employers for Diversity,” by Forbes
For the fifth consecutive year, Novant Health has been named as one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes, ranking 242nd in the nation. Of the 500 employers who made the list, only 40 are hospitals and health systems, including Novant Health.
Forbes partnered with a market research company to create the annual ranking of America’s best employers for diversity. The list was compiled by surveying 50,000 Americans working for businesses from all industry sectors with at least 1,000 employees. Respondents were asked to anonymously rate their organizations on age, gender, ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation equality. Respondents belonging to minority groups were then asked to nominate organizations other than their own.
The top 500 list features employers that not only received the most recommendations, but also boast the most diverse boards and executive ranks and the most progressive diversity and inclusion initiatives.
For a complete list of Forbes’ annual ranking of America’s Best Employers for Diversity, click here.
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