Carle Health is committed to being an inclusive space for our team members, patients, health plan members and communities. Building a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment lays the foundation for trusted partnerships and the delivery of high-quality care for everyone we serve. We know receiving the best care and service in the most culturally responsive way is vital to improving the health of our communities.
Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment
What does DEI look like at Carle Health?
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
Carle Health is now recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) as a leader in creating safe and supportive healthcare practices for LGBTQ+ community members. The healthcare system is proud to be one of the only institutions in downstate Illinois distinguished by the Health Equity Index (HEI) for building an inclusive and beneficial care experience for every patient as we work to improve healthcare outcomes for everyone we serve.
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.
Creating Inclusion through Understanding
Our DEI journey is defined by a learning and growth mindset, so team members have ongoing and consistent training and education opportunities. From learning to challenge unconscious bias, to highlighting diverse cultural histories, heritages, celebrations and observances, to leadership development sessions driven by our value of inclusion, every Carle Health team member plays a role in learning more about building trusting healthcare partnerships in an inclusive healthcare space.
Providing Gender Inclusive Care
Carle Health is establishing gender-inclusive policies, practices and education to serve patients of all gender identities. This includes updates to our electronic medical record system to better capture patient data, Health Alliance policy review, and enterprise-wide team member education on creating a gender-inclusive healthcare environment.
Carle Inclusion Connection Groups (CIC)
CIC groups offer a dedicated space of support for team members with similar backgrounds, interests and experiences, and their allies, while promoting networking and professional growth. Participation is open to all Carle Health team members in any location in the system.
“The DEI team is here to connect team members with opportunities and resources, to guide the sometimes uncomfortable conversations that bring learning and growth, and to make sure all voices are heard and valued in our organization. This work belongs to all of us, though. Each team member at Carle Health has a role to play in our DEI journey. And everyone is accountable for the actions they take to make us the trusted healthcare partner our team members, patients and plan members deserve”
- DEI Director, Amy Delaney, PhD.
Carle Health Board of Trustees Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
The Carle Health Board of Trustees is firmly committed to providing mission-driven and strategic guidance that will continue to build a richly diverse, equitable and inclusive organization serving the needs of our patients, families, team members and the community at-large. Our values and behaviors directly support our mission to be your trusted partner in all healthcare decisions.
Carle Health has an engaged and committed leadership team that has made DEI a strong focus across the organization. Team members understand the important role they play in advancing the health needs of all community members.
We are dedicated to deploying long term strategies that prioritize solutions to reduce bias and decrease health disparities in the communities we serve. We empower our leaders to expand and strengthen our organization where all people are welcome and respected. Our goal is to foster a culture that dispels bias and discrimination and seeks to recruit and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce. We recognize and embrace our ability to positively impact the healthcare disparities that exist in our communities today through our mission, vision and values in ways that respect and understand the unique needs of all those we serve.
Together we will make Carle Health a stronger community partner, a better place to receive care in a manner that respects diversity and inclusivity with the full intent of achieving better health outcomes for all.
Join Our Team
Working with purpose. Feeling seen, heard and appreciated. Learn more about why you should choose Carle.
Community Impact
Benefiting the community is central to everything we do at Carle, and our role within the community extends far beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics. Carle provides assistance, programs and resources when and where our communities need them.
Community Health Initiatives
We work closely with community cross-sector partners and community members to ensure children and their families, regardless of life circumstances, have an opportunity to live the healthiest life they can.