Baptist Health recognized for diversity initiatives

Forbes Magazine has once again named Baptist Health of Northeast Florida one of America’s top employers for diversity.

In the publication’s “America’s Best Employers for Diversity” list for 2023, Baptist Health was the highest ranked health care system in Florida for the second consecutive year and ranked No. 14 among the 50 rated hospitals and health care systems in the country.

“Providing high-quality, compassionate care starts with respect — for each other and the diverse communities we serve,” said Kate McCann, senior vice president and chief human resources officer of Baptist Health. “We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where every team member feels a sense of belonging and can thrive.

“Our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives also extend beyond our walls through our commitment to supplier diversity and our efforts to build healthier communities by addressing health disparities and removing barriers to care.”

Among Baptist Health’s many diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are:

1. Developing a DEI Council committed to setting the vision and strategic objectives to advance diversity and inclusion throughout Baptist Health
2. Launching 11 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) whose members have participated in a wide range of activities within the local community, including:

• Food and clothing drives
• Parades to mark Veteran’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Pride month
• Collaborations with iHeart Media to promote the free health resources available to Jacksonville’s Hispanic communities
• Veteran and military hiring events through a partnership with SkillBridge, an organization that connects service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.

3. Being a Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) leader for the past four years
4. Expanding the supplier diversity program to support the growth of diverse business opportunities within the local community
5. Using a DEI lens to review and update HR policies, translating key policies into five languages to support team members for whom English is a second language
6. Creating culturally sensitive campaigns to improve health screenings, preventive care and overcome barriers to health care access among underserved racial and socioeconomic groups

Forbes Magazine partnered with global market research firm Statista Inc. to compile the annual list, which is now in its sixth year. The results are based on a survey of 45,000 Americans working at companies with a minimum of 1,000 employees.

Participants were asked to rank their employers based on criteria such as age, gender, ethnicity, disability and LGBTQ+ equality, as well as general diversity. Those from underrepresented groups were also asked to nominate companies other than their own.

Forbes also considered publicly disclosed information about representation, board and leadership diversity, and proactive diversity and inclusion initiatives when compiling its list.