Our mission is to deliver high-quality care, empower our teams to succeed and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our Vision
Cayuga Health System commits to treat all people with dignity so that everyone who comes to us are safe, cared for, and respected. 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. We strive to recognize and overcome personal biases and systemic policies that marginalize others and contribute to disparities in healthcare access, equitable care, and good health outcomes.
Our Blueprint
While we’re building a house for diversity, equity, and inclusion, our blueprint includes the following essential guiding principles.
Nothing About Me, Without Me
We believe in partnership and shared power. We seek, hear, and value diverse voices when making decisions, especially the voices of those who are most affected by the decision. We commit to practices and processes that center the perspectives of our employees, patients, and community.
What Matters, Gets Measured
We believe that data, when gathered and analyzed with equity in mind, is a crucial tool for us to zero in on problems that exist, target actions, direct resources, maintain accountability, and measure our progress over time. We commit to using data transparently, responsibly, and for the purpose of pursuing health and organizational equity.
Celebrate not Tolerate
We believe diversity makes us stronger, and we don’t merely tolerate differences. We celebrate the many social and cultural differences of our patients, employees, and community. We strive to create spaces in which people feel welcomed, expected, and valued.
Our Strategy
Our Progress
- 100+ Achieving Health Equity Together educational sessions
- 100% Cayuga Medical Associates practices implementing We Ask Because We Care
- 18 Cayuga Health staff members certified in Conflict Engagement and Bias Response
Our Initiatives
Accurate demographic information helps us make sure all of our patients get the highest quality, most individualized care. Learn more about our We Ask Because We Care campaign here
- Cayuga Health ERGs are a space to connect, advocate, and build community. Current ERGs include:
- LGBTQ+ ERG
-
- Black and Brown Healthcare Workers ERG
Cayuga Health is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment, free of bias, discrimination, and harassment for all patients, staff, volunteers, learners, and visitors. Cayuga Health strives to prioritize equity, celebrate diversity, and foster inclusion and belonging. We recognize that bias harms individuals and the environment in which we all work, learn, heal, and collaborate. We aim to prevent and address bias-related incidents, including microaggressions and any other 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.
The Conflict Engagement and Bias Response Team reviews and responds to bias-related incident reports. This group works with the parties involved to understand the situation and facilitate collaborative, individualized, and appropriate strategies to address the issues identified.
A monthly series of live virtual conversations on important health equity topics, hosted by the DEI team and often featuring special guests
We review and develop policies and procedures to support a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment. For example, recent new policies include the Anti-Racism and Workplace Violence Policy, Bias Response Policy, Gender Affirming Rooming Policy.
We have improved our EMR systems to align with best practices
Health equity-focused, community engaged, evidence-based education for the CMC Internal Medicine Residency Program and TC3 Nursing Program in harm reduction, addiction medicine, and community health
- The CARE Team (Consults for Addiction, Recovery, and Equity), in partnership with REACH Medical
- Community Health Advocates for Racial Equity, in partnership with Southside Community Center
- Community Health Assessment & Improvement Plan, in partnership with Tompkins County Whole Health & Schuyler County Health Department
- Health-Related Social Needs Screening & Referrals, in partnership with Cayuga Health Partners, the Human Services Coalition, Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Mural Projects, in partnership with Ithaca Murals
- Fighting Institutional Racism in Medicine (FIRM)
- System-Wide Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Education
- Language & Translation Services
- Accessibility Assessments & Improvements
- Cultural Heritage Celebrations & Cultural Food Tasting Events
- Wall of Flags
- Multi-Ethnic Skin & Hair Products
- Patient & Employee Experience Programs
- Employee Housing & Commute Support
- Internal & External Workshops
- Organizational DEI Consulting
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.
