Focused on People, Building Trust

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment

• Making Carle a space where diversity is represented, processes are inclusive and decisions are made with equity in mind.
• Creating an inclusive and welcoming health care space where all people can work, seek care and receive service with dignity and respect. We know diversity exists in many forms and are committed to building a supportive and compassionate healthcare space for each team member, patient, health plan member and all the communities we serve.
• Doing our part to help combat racism and all forms of bias and discrimination that exist within healthcare.
• Continuing to build organizational practices that support recruitment and retention of a diverse and inclusive workforce, establishment of diversity in leadership roles, mentorship and career growth opportunities for team members, educational initiatives and community-focused care.
• Acknowledging the root causes of health disparities for patients and health plan members and actively pursuing equity in health, care and service.
• Delivering culturally competent care and service to patients and health plan members and working to improve affordability and access to care.
• Recognizing the unique set of identities and experiences every team member has – and using this to make Carle a more inclusive place where we link our organization’s mission, vision and values to people’s everyday lives.

What does DEI look like at Carle Health?

• Monthly DEI newsletter and DEI Matters video
• Carle Health Multicultural Celebratory Calendar
• Twice-monthly DEI Multicultural Forums
• Carle Inclusion Connection groups
• Annual required diversity, equity and inclusion education for all team members
• Ongoing training and learning at the individual, team and organizational level
• Monthly Inclusive Leadership education for leaders
• DEI Department Career Advising
• Internal leadership development and external leadership recruitment
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Steering Committee
• Health Equity Clinical Guidance Committee
• And much more

Carle Health commitment to inclusive care recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation

The Healthcare Equality Index celebrates the health system as a leader in inclusive care

• Non-discrimination and staff training
• Patient services and support
• Employee benefits and policies
• Patient and community engagement

This was the health system’s first time participating in the survey as a hospital system but a critical step as we work toward improving the experience of everyone we serve with accountability and compassion. Each of the eight hospitals in the system were part of the survey and each will take specific steps to continue to improve upon any barriers their communities face in receiving high-quality care.

“Healthcare is so personal and we know there is a complex history that many underserved communities have with the larger healthcare industry. That’s why in addition to our focus on offering team members education and resources while working with community partners to update clinical practices to better address inequalities, benchmarks like HEI help us asses opportunities for growth and to build on what’s going well,” Amy Delaney, PhD, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion director said. “At Carle Health, we want every team member to bring their individuality and full selves to work so we can help every community member we can in a way that supports their health best.”

Carle Health continues to take action to improve the care and experience of all patients. Our individual and inclusive approach to supporting those we serve, along with the level of quality and expertise our care teams offer, is unlike any other healthcare provider in the region.

We are proud to be recognized as a High Performer in @humanrightscampaign's 2024 Healthcare Equality Index.