About Cayuga Health

Cayuga Health will remain the region’s leading healthcare system, and most trusted driver of integrated health services, together with valued partners.  We empower our people and employ our capabilities to equitably improve the well-being of the communities we serve.

Bias Response Team

Our Commitment

Cayuga Health is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment that does not tolerate bias, discrimination, or harassment for any patients, staff, volunteers, learners, or visitors.

We recognize that bias harms individuals and the environment in which we all work, learn, heal, and collaborate. Cayuga Health aims to prevent and address bias-related incidents, including any intentional or unintentional behavior motivated in whole or in part by racism, sexism, ableism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, or other demonstrations of implicit or explicit bias.

This Bias-Related Incident Reporting Form is a tool to report incidents of bias that impact patients, visitors, staff, volunteers, or learners while visiting, working, volunteering, or learning at a Cayuga Health location.

We take all reports of bias-related incidents seriously, and we have a dedicated Bias Response Team to support investigations and follow-up actions.

Thank you for taking the time to tell us what happened.

You can report non-emergency bias-related incidents here. Bias-related incidents, whether intentional or unintentional, are offensive and harmful conduct motivated by bias related to race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, family or marital status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic status, or any other protected identity.

This reporting form is for non-emergency incidents only. If there is an emergency or any immediate threat to someone’s safety or well-being, please seek immediate assistance:

  • At the Cayuga Medical Center campus, call Security at 2-2222.
  • At the Schuyler Hospital campus, call Security at 7-7777.
  • At Cayuga Medical Associates and other off-campus locations, call 911.

Any Cayuga Health patient, visitor, staff member, volunteer, or learner who experiences, witnesses, or suspects incidents of bias, discrimination, or harassment, is encouraged to report.

We expect that reports are made in good faith and should include observations and factual descriptions as much as possible. At a minimum, reports should include:

  • Whether you are submitting the report on your or someone else’s behalf
  • Who was primarily affected by the bias (e.g., staff, provider, patient, etc.)
  • Who was enacting bias (e.g., staff, provider, patient, etc.)
  • Where the incident occurred
  • What identity was targeted by bias (e.g., race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc.)
  • A description of the incident with as much detail as possible

If you choose to report anonymously, please know our ability to follow up and provide direct support will be limited, but any information reported will be reviewed for potential recommendations.

Important Reminders

Incident reports are treated as confidential. Information related to the report will not be shared outside of the investigative team without the reporter’s permission, unless there is an immediate threat to the safety of individuals or the community.

Threats, intimidation, and retaliation against a person who reports bias, or any other party involved in addressing bias-related incidents at Cayuga Health are unacceptable and in violation of the policy. Any instances are subject to further investigation and follow-up.

Please note: As with all emails or reports, information you share in this report may be subject to public records requests. Information shared may be subject to release under federal and state law.

Our Team

Herb Alexander

Chief Diversity & Learning Officer

Co-Chair of Bias Response Team

Justin Runke

General Counsel, Chief Administrative Officer

Co-Chair of Bias Response Team

Julia Ressler

Manager for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Bias Response Team Coordinator

Jackie Collins

Quality & Informatics Specialist

Tim Dean

Director of Spiritual Care

Reyna Florentino

Chief Risk & Quality Officer

Our Team

Cayuga Health System commits to treat all people with dignity so that everyone who comes to us are safe, cared for, and respected.

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What We Do

We will support the growth of our employees and the health of our community by embracing the rich diversity of social and cultural identities, needs, and life circumstances of all people.

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We Ask Because We Care

Questions help us provide better care for our patients by allowing us to better understand your needs.

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We welcome and invite questions, concerns or ideas

We welcome your ideas on how to best co-develop our future steps to achieve an equitable and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and circumstances.

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Report an Incident
Taking action today to build an equitable tomorrow.

Latest News

what our patients are saying

“I have to say the last couple visits that I’ve had here have been wonderful. About a month ago I had an EGD and the staff were amazing! Explained everything in detail and made me feel at ease. I was very nervous and the nurse I had was very comforting. Tonight we had to take my son to the emergency room and they were awesome with him! We got right in. “

Samantha, Emergency Department

“The staff and accommodations at Cayuga Birthplace are amazing!!! This is what it I imagine it would feel like to be a celebrity getting VIP treatment. I wish I could stay longer – even the food options are 5 Star! The amenities are great. Everything is clean and designed beautifully. Not a single complaint, only praises!”

Alina, Cayuga Birth Place

“I have had many occasions visiting CMC for myself and family. We have never had a bad experience there at all. Last October I had surgery and the nurses were amazing especially my night nurse. Thank you to all CMC staff for doing what you do every day with a smile.”

Karen, Surgical Services

“I have been a Hemo dialysis patient for almost Five years. Prior to dialysis and during dialysis I have had several trips to the ER, due to other health issues & was admitted to CMC more than a few times. Each and every time I’ve been there, whether in patient or out, I have been treated with respect, professionalism, and efficiency. I give this hospital 2 thumbs up!! Thank you CMC for taking care of me all these years!!”

Monique, Cayuga Cancer Center
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