HEALTH INDUSTRY DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
New HIDA Summit Fosters Intentional Approach to Supplier Diversity By Stephanie Reed, Director of Education Health Industry Distributors Association
HIDA convened its first-ever Supplier Diversity Summit as part of its fall 2022 Streamlining Healthcare Expo & Business Exchange. This summit was inspired by HIDA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the awareness that many healthcare entities are becoming more intentional about purchasing healthcare products from diverse suppliers. The overflow crowd heard from panelists who urged a purposeful approach to sourcing from diverse suppliers.
Supplier diversity is not a trend or a passing fad. Supplier diversity is a strategic commitment to provide equitable access to purchasing and contracting opportunities for diverse businesses. Some of HIDA’s member companies have had supplier diversity programs for 30 years or more. One of our panelists at HIDA’s Supplier Diversity Summit was Angie Thomas, Vice President of Government Accounts Manager & Enterprise Supplier Diversity at Cardinal Health. Angie observed that “recently, we have seen more language on supplier diversity from our customers. But it’s not a buzzword. It’s a priority we are going to continue to drive forward.” Supplier diversity is about building wealth and creating health equity in the communities we serve. A strong supplier diversity program allows healthcare systems to promote wealth in the communities they serve, which ultimately supports and improves health equity. Providers are looking to achieve multiple supplier diversity goals. Although specific goals vary from provider to provider, the
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strongest programs have the following three goals in common: 1. G rowing the inclusion of diverse vendors in the RFP process 2. G rowing the RFP awards and ultimately the amount of diverse spend 3. A strong development and engagement program, with a focus on community engagement
Stephanie Reed
Supplier diversity is about building wealth and creating health equity in the communities we serve. Distributors have a role to play in supplier diversity by helping providers meet their goals. Distributors can create their own supplier diversity programs and assist providers in identifying qualified and certified diverse suppliers. Participants at the Supplier Diversity Summit were advised to: > Build A Network. Partner with a minority company to assist in the creation of a first-class program.
> Be Inquisitive. Ask providers questions to gauge their supplier diversity needs. Does the provider have Supplier Diversity goals and initiatives? What is the dollar goal of the provider? Where is the desired need for spend – on services, products, etc.? > Lean In. Don’t wait to be asked. Be proactive by presenting diverse suppliers to your provider customers. Provide a list of MBEs and the products that they distribute.
Spring 2023 • PWH® Connect Journal • mypwh.org