THE FULL PICTURE
2016 Corporate Citizenship Report
Flint, Michigan
THE FULL PICTURE
2016 Corporate Citizenship Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE CEO
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PATIENTS FIRST
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ONE JOB, MANY ROLES
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LEADING THE WAY
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BENEATH THE SURFACE
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FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
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COMMITTED TO HEALTH
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LETTER FROM THE CEO TO OUR TEAMMATES IN CARE: With a new year upon us, I wanted to take a moment to share some of Diplomat’s accomplishments from 2016. We’ve always taken pride in our dedication to ensuring our patients have the resources and treatment they need to be successful in therapy. After all, that’s why we’re here: to help people.
we’ve always been the pharmacy that finds a way to offer a service or medication even when other pharmacies find it challenging. We put the patient first long before buzzwords like “patient-centric” and “high-touch” became popular. Our goal has always been to break down barriers to access and give all patients the care they need.
In addition to helping our patients, 2016 gave us a chance to continue supporting Flint’s revitalization by partnering with local organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint and the Crim Fitness Foundation. Refurbishing what’s now the Diplomat Diamond and aiding in the CrimFit training program are just two of the ways we brought meaningful change to the city’s residents.
Through it all, our focus has remained the same. When we founded Diplomat Pharmacy Inc., my dad said, “Take good care of patients and the rest falls into place.” Every decision we make is done with patients in mind—their struggles, their victories, and how we can help them to live life fully and wholeheartedly. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish in the next year.
Flint has endured a lot, but the city never stops pushing. Flint’s strength comes from its people—people who aren’t afraid to work hard and fight in the face of adversity. It’s never an easy task to rebuild something, but it’s easier when you have a team of people willing to get their hands dirty for the good of the community. We couldn’t be more proud to stand by this city.
Together in health,
Phil Hagerman, RPh CEO and Chairman, Diplomat
Just as many people equate Flint with the water situation, many don’t see the full picture when it comes to specialty pharmacy. They don’t see the tireless effort put forth to ensure our patients succeed, but
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PATIENTS FIRST BUILDING ON A LEGACY OF CARE When Jewells, who has multiple myeloma, spoke at Diplomat’s third-trimester sales meeting, he did so from a chair while holding a cane. He apologized for not standing. It had been just five days since he fractured a vertebra—likely a side effect of his treatment. Though he was in pain, he said nothing would keep him from presenting as planned. Why?
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“I love Diplomat,” Jewells said. “You really do care about putting patients first. You’ve grown, and you haven’t lost that patient focus.” Much has changed since we opened in 1975; with acquisitions and organic growth, Diplomat has the opportunity to serve more patients than ever. But our mission remains the same: We are here to serve one patient at a time. Before Diplomat was a national pharmacy, before we went public, and before “patient-centric” was an industry buzzword, Diplomat was committed to doing more than just fill prescriptions. We’ve been committed to doing whatever it takes for the patient from Day 1. “It was a case of always being ahead of the curve,” said Phil Hagerman, CEO and chairman
of Diplomat. “When some of the new therapies came onboard and they were expensive and challenging, we didn’t care about that. … We were always the pharmacy that would find a way to offer the service. … At the end of everything we do, there’s a patient in need, and oftentimes, that patient is in serious need. We have to make sure we keep the human element in our company.” Every contact with a patient is an opportunity to show that humanity. “Diplomat’s core value centers around putting one patient first,” said Kim Proffer, Clinical Help Desk manager and pharmacist at Diplomat. “That means that when I’m talking to a patient, that’s the only thing that is on my mind. The person I’m talking to is the most important person.”
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I love Diplomat. You really do care about putting patients first. You’ve grown, and you haven’t lost that patient focus.
Jewells
Diplomat Patient
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SEEING FROM THE PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE Putting the patient at the heart of everything we do means first understanding their point of view. That’s why we host patient sensitivity training sessions for our employees. Patients and caregivers are invited to speak at the trainings. The chance to hear and learn from them firsthand is invaluable.
“It has come full-circle—from working here to receiving the medications from Diplomat,” she said. “It’s something I never thought would happen, but I’m glad it happened. I’m glad that I get to see from somebody else’s perspective how things work and know that these patients are taken care of, because I’m taken care of.”
Sometimes, those stories come from Diplomat employees. At a fall 2016 patient sensitivity training, two of Diplomat’s own shared their experiences as patients and caregivers. Mallory, an oncology patient and former pharmacy technician, spoke. About a year earlier, she had begun feeling abnormally fatigued. Work became more difficult. After many tests, she learned she had acute myeloid leukemia. Unable to continue working during treatment, she was determined to come back to Diplomat as soon as she was well.
Mallory’s back at Diplomat, working on our oncology team. “I get to call the patient and set up shipments for people who’ve had bone marrow transplants or are waiting to get one.” Having gone through this experience herself, Mallory explained that “it’s a different connection, because now I understand what they’re going through.” 6
I’m glad that I get to see from somebody else’s perspective how things work and know that these patients are taken care of, because I’m taken care of.
Mallory
Diplomat Employee and Patient
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Mallory’s goal in sharing her story at the patient sensitivity training was to help her coworkers relate to patients going through experiences similar to hers—including the isolation and fear that can come with a cancer diagnosis. We also recognize the important work of caregivers. Scott, a Diplomat sales account manager, spoke to the class about losing his daughter Isabella to retinoblastoma. Attendees wiped away tears as he shared the details of her fight and the challenges their family faced.
provides to our patients. We support patients and families going through very rough journeys, and having gone through that with my family—it has really made our ‘high-touch’ patient support stand out,” Scott said. “Diplomat’s commitment to patient care sets the standard, and that makes me want to continue to be a part of the team.” Kim Proffer closed the September training session with a call to action: “Treat patients the way you wish someone would help someone you love, because if we’re doing that, we can’t go wrong.”
“Being a caregiver for Isabella has reinforced all of the effort and care that the Diplomat team
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“Diplomat’s commitment to patient care sets the standard, and that makes me want to continue to be a part of the team.” Scott Ward
Account Manager
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Jacque
Former Diplomat Patient
Susie
Jacque’s Sister
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ADVOCATING ALONGSIDE OUR PATIENTS Jay, a Diplomat oncology patient, and his wife, Linda, took part in the fourth annual National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) meeting in Washington, D.C. The September conference gave attendees the opportunity to hear about national legislative and regulatory policies related to specialty pharmacy. In one of the panel discussions, titled “Patients and Specialty Pharmacy,” Jay and Linda spoke alongside fellow panelist Brenda Hawkes, Diplomat’s senior manager of patient advocacy. “It was such a pleasure to share a panel discussion with Jay and Linda at NASP,” Brenda said. “Patientcentricity means keeping the patients at the center of all we do every day. By having a patient and caregiver on the panel with me, we were able to bring attention to the continued need to focus on best practices for patients, as well as improvements we can make.” By broadening awareness, the specialty pharmacy industry can offer better access to therapy for more patients who need—and deserve—the best care possible. “At NASP, my goal was to provide whatever information I could to help somebody else out,” Jay said.
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I virtually have to do nothing except answer the phone once a month. Getting my medication is totally effortless for me.
Jay
Diplomat Patient
Patient-centricity means keeping the patients at the center of all we do every day.
Brenda Hawkes
Patient Advocacy Manager
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“The most important [skills] in specialty pharmacy are those that incorporate empathy—[including] effective communication … to help that patient gain access to their medication.” Gary Rice
Executive Vice President, Operations
LISTENING AND LEARNING TOGETHER NASP wasn’t the first time Jay and Brenda worked together to advocate for patients. In June, Brenda joined Jay and Diplomat pharmacist Matthew Gilbert in the first Diplomat Dialogue—a video series of frank conversations about specialty pharmacy’s place in health care. Brenda, a cancer survivor, moderated the first session.
industry leaders on the role of specialty pharmacy in health care. In a Diplomat Dialogue in October, Gary Rice, Diplomat’s executive vice president of Operations, shared what he believes makes specialty pharmacy unique.
“The reason I participated ... was to express my appreciation for what Diplomat does for me,” Jay said. “I never have to worry about whether or not I am going to get my medication on a monthly basis. If there is a problem with insurance approval, Diplomat takes care of it. I virtually have to do nothing except answer the phone once a month. Getting my medication is totally effortless for me.”
“The most important [skills] in specialty pharmacy are those that incorporate empathy—[including] effective communication … to help that patient gain access to their medication,” Gary said.
Since their conversation, the series has continued to take a deeper look at specialty pharmacy and the people we serve by interviewing
Diplomat is leading the way in specialty pharmacy by doing whatever it takes to help patients succeed— even if that means being ready to jump on a plane to deliver a medication personally. 14
DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES When Jodie, a patient with primary periodic paralysis, missed the delivery of his life-changing specialty medication, he called Diplomat. His point-ofcontact called him back right away.
“I must tell you, I had tears when that package was delivered that night,” Becky said. “I was going to make sure he got his meds that night.” That level of compassion and commitment was not lost on Jodie.
Jodie recalled, “She said, ‘Listen, the delivery company has emergency backup plans, and that’s in place. If that doesn’t work, I’ve already implemented our emergency plan, and it will be on a plane to you.’” Diplomat had an employee ready to go to the airport to hand-deliver the medication if needed. Jodie was floored by our dedication. “I’m telling you, I taught customer care seminars, and if I was still doing that, that would be what I would open my seminar with,” he said. Jodie didn’t miss the second delivery attempt. Becky, the pharmacy tech responsible for the shipment, was elated knowing Jodie received the rare medication that kept his bouts of paralysis at bay.
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“Diplomat is a pharmacy, but they operate with their heart. They know who I am. That’s a family,” he said. Our patients are the reason we’re here. Focusing on their needs isn’t a trend; it’s a tradition—one Diplomat has been proud to carry on for more than 40 years. The more we hear from patients, the more we can connect with them in everything we do. Behind every prescription is a patient, and nothing should stand in the way of them living their best life.
Diplomat is a pharmacy, but they operate with their heart. They know who I am. That’s a family.
Jodie
Diplomat Patient
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ONE JOB, MANY ROLES DIPLOMAT PHARMACISTS: HELPING PATIENTS WITH ALL ASPECTS OF CARE Putting patients first requires constantly coordinating a multitude of tasks. Our pharmacists are a resource for patients and their caregivers 24/7—answering their questions, calming their fears, and helping them live their best lives.
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King Vu
Staff Pharmacist
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DIPLOMAT’S POSTGRADUATE YEAR ONE PHARMACY RESIDENCY Providing this level of care requires dedication and continuous learning. One way Diplomat supports pharmacists interested in specialty pharmacy is by offering a postgraduate year one (PGY1) pharmacy residency program. Several pharmacists practicing specialty pharmacy at Diplomat have successfully completed this program.
The residency program is structured to allow residents to rotate through a variety of core departments while customizing the program to fit their professional interests. Uniquely, residents are able to choose up to four additional elective clerkships to fulfill their 52-week experience. These can include clinical education, quality, oncology, or industry relations, among others.
Because there is no specific “specialty pharmacy” degree, Diplomat’s specialtyfocused residency—which began in 2011— provides an opportunity for concentrated learning while practicing within the industry.
Residents are also required to design and lead yearlong quality- and research-related projects. In addition, residents are expected to engage in at least one professional development program, which may include a state leadership academy or teaching certification. LaPointe compared a year in Diplomat’s pharmacy residency program to three years of on-the-job training.
“You don’t learn much about specialty disease states and medications in pharmacy school, so we’ve really front-loaded our program with the tools and experiences residents need to become confident in this area,” said Stephanie LaPointe, residency program coordinator.
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Diplomat benefits program as well.
from
the
residency
“The residents bring new knowledge, ideas, and innovation to the various teams they’re working with,” LaPointe said. “They’ll question processes and make you take a step back and say, ‘Why are we doing it this way?’ They encourage our preceptors to stay current.” The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is the only accrediting body in the country for pharmacy residency programs. In 2013, ASHP accredited Diplomat’s residency program for six years, retroactive to the program’s inception in 2011. “When we submitted our program, we didn’t know if we’d obtain accreditation because we’re so unique,” LaPointe said. “They came on site, were impressed, and we got the full six years. We are very proud of our program and the residents who complete it.”
“The residents bring new knowledge, ideas, and innovation to the various teams they’re working on.” Stephanie LaPointe
Residency Program Coordinator
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NO QUESTION GOES UNANSWERED
TERMS TO KNOW Infusion pump: A medical device that delivers fluids, such as nutrients and medications, into a patient’s body in controlled amounts. Injectable: A liquid medication administered into the body via a needle and syringe. Negative outcomes: Unwelcome, sometimes severe
side
effects
caused
by
taking
medications with certain foods, beverages, or other medications. Split fill: Dispensing only a portion of the prescribed medication. This strategy allows the patient to start therapy with small quantities of the drug to ensure they can tolerate the medication. If side effects occur and the patient needs to discontinue therapy, there is less wasted medication and unnecessary cost is minimized.
When patients have complex and chronic conditions, every day can bring a new challenge. Our pharmacists are here to handle the full range of patient issues—some expected, some not. Some patient questions are lighter. Kim Proffer, Clinical Help Desk manager, talked to a patient who had started treatment with an arthritis drug. The patient had a pressing concern: whether she had to be more cautious around penguins. Proffer explained to the patient that because the drug suppresses the immune system, any bite or scratch from an animal could be more risky. “I did quickly look this up to make sure there was not some specific penguin issue I hadn’t previously known of,” she said. But some questions are more serious. Lead pharmacist Matthew Lewis relayed the story of a weekend he took a phone call from a scared mother. “Her son’s daycare, trying to instill a sense of good citizenship in their charges, decided it would be a good idea to clean the local park,” he said. “They gave the kids no protective gear or training, and the kid got a needle stick.” The woman feared her son had been exposed to a bloodborne pathogen, and her doctor wasn’t experienced in medications or protocols for that situation. Lewis helped her understand what her doctor had said, discussed medications that might be necessary, and helped the woman understand how to help her son. No matter what patients ask, their questions matter to Diplomat pharmacists. Helping patients through their fears is an everyday part of being a pharmacist at Diplomat—a job that involves much more time, knowledge, and effort than many people think.
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ON ANY GIVEN DAY, A DIPLOMAT PHARMACIST JOB DESCRIPTION MIGHT INCLUDE:
Prescriptions
Patient questions and concerns
Prescriber education
• Ensure the accuracy of every prescription • Explain side effects and management strategies • Split-fill prescriptions that might cause severe side effects • Monitor each patient’s medications, disease progression, and lifestyle to minimize negative outcomes
• Be on call 24/7 to answer patient questions • Answer urgent questions to help patients avoid trips to the emergency room • Explain complicated treatment regimens in simple terms • Teach patients to self-administer injectable medications and infusion pumps
• Collaborate with physicians on treatment plans • Share knowledge about new and emerging treatments with prescribers
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LEADING THE WAY DEFINING THE CRITICAL ROLE OF SPECIALTY Pharmaceutical breakthroughs are happening constantly. Existing therapies are improved, and new ones enter the market. As the nation’s largest independent specialty pharmacy, Diplomat has a unique view of a patient’s journey, from the time the prescription is received until the therapy concludes. Along the way, prescriptions go through a rigorous cycle of reviews—and paperwork—to help the patient find success, however they define it. But what sets specialty pharmacy apart? It’s a question many legislators have asked as they navigate the ever-changing health care landscape. More than ever, millions of families facing complex diseases rely on these decision-makers to represent them. To help them champion specialty pharmacy in their communities, we set out to clarify what makes this industry unique.
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Jay, Diplomat Patient (Left) Linda, Jay’s Wife/Caregiver (Middle) Brenda Hawkes, Patient Advocacy Manager (Right) 24
A LOCAL START Our work to help legislators understand specialty pharmacy began at home. We invited state of Michigan legislators to our corporate headquarters in Flint, where we held one of several Specialty Pharmacy 101 events. We spoke with policymakers about the importance of the specialty space and took time to answer their questions. Brenda Hawkes, senior manager of patient advocacy, explained how eye-opening the event was for attendees— particularly those who had never heard of specialty pharmacy. “The audience was just sitting there, really leaning forward and engaged in what we were saying,” Brenda said. We were encouraged to hear many questions about how specialty pharmacy policies could affect local communities. Many attendees asked how they could best support our cause. Most of all, they asked what they should know.
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“The fundamental difference between specialty and traditional retail pharmacy comes down to the comprehensive services required to treat these complex, often chronic diseases,” said Phil Hagerman, Diplomat CEO and chairman. During the course of a patient’s treatment, the specialty pharmacy interacts with all aspects of the care team, including office administrators, nurses, prescribers, payors, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and foundations that assist with copay costs. In doing so, Diplomat is deeply invested in the patient’s success, whether the patient considers success to be having the strength to get out of bed in the morning or graduating from therapy altogether. Every step of the way, the industry is rallying together to help the patient in their journey. After sharing these nuances of specialty pharmacy with Michigan legislators, we took our message to the national stage.
DIPLOMAT GOES TO WASHINGTON In spring 2016, Phil and other Diplomat employees visited Capitol Hill to host Specialty Pharmacy 101 for legislators from across the country. The event underscored how important it is for national leaders to understand the unique services specialty pharmacy offers. Central themes included emerging medication cost management trends and high-touch care for patients with chronic illnesses. Prescription lifecycles, financial assistance, community involvement, and patient advocacy are all part of the care Diplomat provides. The country’s legislators are often tasked with making decisions that could affect patients in ways big and small. These decisions must be made with full understanding of all the ways specialty pharmacy improves patient care. “We are always focused first and foremost on providing great care for patients,” Phil said. “Our 41-year history has given us the expertise to understand how the industry can harness these exciting medical advances in specialty.”
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“We are always focused first and foremost on providing great care for patients.� Phil Hagerman
Diplomat CEO and Chairman
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UNITED MESSAGE In September 2016, specialty pharmacy leaders from across the nation gathered in Washington, D.C., for the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) Annual Meeting. The theme was the focus on patients that specialty pharmacy requires. With patients in mind, health care executives— including some from health plans, health system pharmacies, distributors, group purchasing organizations, and, of course, specialty pharmacies—gathered to discuss the issues and opportunities in the industry. As a NASP board member, Phil is committed to bringing awareness to the role of specialty pharmacy. NASP’s mission is Phil’s mission: to present a unified voice of specialty pharmacy through education, advocacy, and engagement. While all pharmacists work to help patients, specialty pharmacy is the answer to new challenges, including high-cost prescriptions and complicated therapy regimens.
Diplomat team members sat on or moderated seven panels during the meeting. Discussions included the importance of coordinated care teams, best practices, and the impact of public policy. “This year’s NASP meeting emphasized the importance of a united front. As an industry, specialty pharmacy needs to control our own destiny,” Phil said. “We can do that by having a larger voice on Capitol Hill. We have a great opportunity to share the impact of policy changes through continued education.” For Diplomat, our patients are our driving force. They are our motivation to continue pushing for better therapies and educating our state and federal legislators on the industry. We are determined to keep working and advocating on their behalf—to be the voice our patients don’t always have.
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Flint, Michigan 29
BENEATH THE SURFACE A COMPANY AND COMMUNITY RALLY Diplomat’s commitment to health starts at home. Though we care for patients across the nation, we are rooted in Flint and have supported the community since we began as a neighborhood pharmacy. As we’ve grown, that commitment hasn’t waned. In 2015, the city of Flint endured a health crisis that made national headlines. In a 2014 cost-cutting effort, the city’s water source was switched from the Detroit Water and Sewage Department to the Flint River. The newly sourced water wasn’t properly treated.
As a result, lead leached into tap water, threatening the wellbeing of the city’s 100,000 residents and thousands more who work and play in the city. As media coverage increased, the Flint water crisis gripped the nation’s attention. People from all over the world donated water, time, and resources. But as time passed, the spotlight shifted away from the city. From the beginning, we recognized the need to be strategic in our support, knowing this would be a long-term crisis with far-reaching health effects.
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HERE FROM THE START From the start, Diplomat has been closely involved in helping the city overcome this crisis. In September 2015, the Flint public schools superintendent announced he was cutting off the water supply to the school system until the water could be tested for lead. He encouraged the community to donate cases of water to Flint schools. Diplomat heeded the call. The store where the water was purchased matched the donation, doubling the total contribution. “For us, it was really just making sure we were being responsible citizens in the community that we’re operating in,” says Adrian Walker, manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at Diplomat. “The call went out, and we did our best in fulfilling some of the need.” That same sense of responsibility led Sales Operations Director Celeste Bois to seek out a volunteer opportunity for the Sales team. During a national team meeting in February, team members from across the country capped off a day of events by assembling water-testing kits at the American Red
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Cross location in Flint. These kits were distributed throughout the city. Leaded water can have an off-putting odor or taste, and it can feel gritty. But sometimes, there’s no immediate indication water has been affected. Without the kits, residents might not have known the level of lead in their home’s water or if their health was at risk due to exposure. And the effects could be severe; lead can affect the heart, kidneys, nerves, and brain. “The timing of the national sales meeting aligned with the need to support the Flint water situation,” Celeste said. “We had so much positive feedback from the Sales team about previous volunteer events and the desire for more opportunities to give back to the community.”
Flint, Michigan
Mona Hanna-Attisha, MD
Pediatric Residency Program Director Hurley Medical Center
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PARTNERING FOR HEALTH THAT LASTS Though water donations and testing kits have been vital parts of the equation, solutions are needed for the lasting effects of lead poisoning. Two participants in Diplomat’s Fellowship for Social Impact program took on the ongoing physical, emotional, and academic health of local children exposed to lead. Sruthi Sathyakumar, a pre-med student at the University of Michigan, wanted to help with the water crisis. Diplomat connected her with Hurley Medical Center’s Pediatric Public Health Initiative (PPHI), an organization led by Dr. Mona HannaAttisha, notable for her research and leadership in response to Flint’s water and lead poisoning. “Sruthi was a wonderful addition to our Pediatric Public Health team this summer,” said Dr. HannaAttisha. “She assisted with key projects like the distribution of nutrition bags to 8,000 Flint
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students and also led the development of the distribution of social-emotional wheels to our local physicians and partners.” The PPHI focuses on the total health of the child—including psychosocial development and nutritional needs. Its goal is to give kids in Flint every chance at future success. That mission echoes Diplomat’s drive to help every patient live their best life. Sruthi said it was an “amazing, amazing opportunity” to help the community. “I’m focused on pediatric outreach, because a lot of the consequences of lead poisoning are developmental issues, especially in children,” Sruthi said. “After the water crisis, there was a huge need for some help, and I saw the spirit of Flint; that’s what drew me here.”
PROTECTING THE MOST VULNERABLE Unborn babies and young children are at the greatest risk for damage to the brain and nervous system; slowed growth and development; learning and behavior problems; and hearing and speech problems. Even low levels of lead exposure can impair cognitive development—an especially hard blow to a county already dealing with educational issues. “In 2013, the county first recognized there was a significant gap in literacy in the community,” said JaNel Jamerson, director of the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network.
“When we talk about the water crisis, we’re really talking about a significant event that exacerbated the issue.” Diplomat Fellow Mahamed Omar worked with the network throughout the summer, supporting their initiatives to improve the quality of life for all learners in Genesee County. He focused on asset mapping, which locates gaps in educational services and funding in the community. The network is teaming up with the University of Michigan–Flint to complete this project. JaNel said Mahamed’s help was “absolutely critical in understanding the literacy landscape.”
Mahamed also provided hands-on support for the network’s summer learning day. “In the summer months, children don’t have access to high-quality, brain-enriching, ageappropriate activities. So … all those gains they make in the academic year, they lose in the summer months,” JaNel said. “The work that Diplomat supported with our summer learning work is a really good example of how [the] community has come together to fill gaps … and then strategize how to actively and collaboratively make an impact.”
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“We believe in the resilient nature of the city and the direction that it is headed.� Adrian Walker
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
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HERE FOR THE CHALLENGES AHEAD With nearly 10,000 Flint children below the age of 6 exposed to lead, continued support is crucial. That’s why Diplomat partnered with the Flint Child Health & Development Fund. The Community Foundation of Greater Flint created the fund to address the long-term needs of Flint children exposed to lead. On Giving Tuesday, celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Diplomat matched donations to the fund dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000. “We are grateful for the generosity of Diplomat for matching contributions to the Flint Child Health & Development Fund,” said Kathi Horton, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. “We continue to be inspired by the outpouring
of support from businesses like Diplomat who are truly making a difference in the lives of our children.” The money raised went toward supporting early childhood development through an array of services, including behavioral health assistance, nutritional education, and improved access to healthy food. Diplomat donated to the fundraiser to help reinvigorate contributions locally and nationwide. “Donations to Flint have started to trickle off,” Adrian said. “However, this is an issue that’s long-term that we’re still dealing with as a city. We can’t afford to have this fall off the national radar.”
Through donations, volunteer opportunities, and local partnerships, Diplomat is devoted to helping Flint through the water crisis. We’ve served the city for more than 40 years. We have been here long before the crisis, and we’ll be here long after. “We believe in the resilient nature of the city and the direction that the city is headed,” Adrian said. Diplomat is committed to taking meaningful action that supports lasting health for the community—whatever the need.
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FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM CREATING MEANINGFUL IMPACT THAT LASTS Flint has been facing challenges for the past 30 years, but there is also positive energy that is rarely highlighted by national media. Diplomat has called Flint home since 1975 and has always believed in the hard-working people who refuse to let it fail. It is this belief that inspired Diplomat’s Fellowship for Social Impact program. The purpose of the program is to attract and retain talent in our city, which has struggled at doing both. Each summer, we invite college students from across the nation to bring their entrepreneurial spirit and fresh perspective to make a positive impact in Flint. Through our Fellowship, we aim to bring meaningful change to Flint and end the negative perception of our city. 37
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Diplomat Fellowship by the Numbers 2014 • 2015 • 2016
SECTORS FELLOWS HAVE FOCUSED ON
29 DIPLOMAT FELLOWS
17% Health Care
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UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
17% Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization
24% Youth & Education
7% Homelessness
4
3% Crime Prevention
GRADUATE STUDENTS
3% Agriculture 28% Entrepreneurship
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LOCATION BREAKDOWN
IN-STATE SCHOOLS
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Aquinas College Central Michigan University Ferris State University Hope College Michigan State University Northwood University Oakland University Olivet College University of Michigan University of Michigan–Flint Wayne State University Western Michigan University
IN-STATE FELLOWS
12 WEEKS IN PROGRAM
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OUT-OF-STATE SCHOOLS
COMMUNITY DINNERS WITH LOCAL LEADERS
10 OUT-OF-STATE FELLOWS
930 MILES TRAVELED TO CITIES WITHIN MICHIGAN TO SEE SIMILAR REVITALIZATION
1,050 HOURS SPENT IN COMMUNITY
Boise State University Columbia University Duke University Emory University Harvard University Howard University New York University Spelman College
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS THAT FELLOWS PARTNERED WITH IN 2016:
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS WHERE FELLOWS VOLUNTEERED IN 2016:
• • • • • • • • • •
• • • • •
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint Communities First Inc. Edible Flint Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce Flint & Genesee Literacy Network Flint Area Reinvestment Office (FARO) Flint Public Library Flint River Corridor Alliance Hurley Medical Center Kettering University
Angel Manor Hospice Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint Carriage Town Ministries Communities First Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
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What Is the Fellowship Program?
Diplomat’s 12-week Fellowship fosters new thought leaders by partnering Fellows with local organizations creating sustainable change in the community. Through research and service projects, program participants gain hands-on experience and access to a network of professionals, who can provide career guidance and mentorship. Fellows develop critical business and communication skills that can prepare them for careers in civic-minded business, nonprofit management, or social entrepreneurship.
Fellowship Objectives
• Work with a community organization to identify and create a sustainable project • Find solutions to social challenges within Flint’s urban environment that relate to their area of focus and passion • Build a network of contacts and colleagues in a range of sectors and industries
Working With Flint, For Flint
Each week was unique for 2016 Fellows. While hours varied depending on the project, each participant works up to 30 hours per week. In between time spent on their individual projects, Fellows met with Flint community leaders and volunteered for local organizations. Through their individual project research, community service projects, and exchanges with community leaders, Diplomat Fellows gained a new perspective on what it takes to both participate in and understand community development.
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MAHAMED OMAR Hometown: Atlanta, GA Partnering Organization:
Flint & Genesee Literacy Network
Project Concentration: Youth and family literacy
School: Emory University Major: Political Science
Partnering with the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network, Mahamed aided in the development of effective, low-cost solutions to improve literacy for Flint families, as well as worked to create a proposal for the Promise Neighborhood Initiative.
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Why did you choose the Diplomat Fellowship? I chose the Diplomat Fellowship because of the opportunity it offers to accomplish real change in a community with invested partner organizations. This is work I am passionate about; it is what I invested my college career in, and it’s what I hope to continue as I move into my profession.
What was your biggest takeaway from the Fellowship Program this summer? My biggest takeaway from the program has been that community change requires a high level of coordination between various stakeholders; the fact that real change requires so many stakeholders to come together makes it critical that there is passion and love for the community. I saw that here in Flint.
What did you accomplish during the Fellowship, both personally and within the community? In the community, I supported the change Flint needs through various programs and initiatives. From a personal perspective, I challenged myself by committing to work in a tough environment and grew as a result.
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SAI PANGULURI Hometown: Coppell, TX Partnering Organization:
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint
Project Concentration:
Empowerment of young women of color
School: Duke University Major: Public Policy
Sai developed a mentorship program within the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint for young women of color to serve as role models to younger girls. Sai hopes to implement this program within the national organization after her experience in Flint.
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Why did you choose the Diplomat Fellowship? Diplomat allowed me to pilot a mentorship program for young women of color and really take charge of the project myself, which is an opportunity I couldn’t have found elsewhere.
What was your biggest takeaway from the Fellowship Program this summer? I’m humbled by the drive and the passion within the Flint community. Coming in, I knew nothing about Flint except what I’d heard in the news from the water crisis, and I was blown away by what I found. There’s a lot of intentional social impact work happening here, and I’m appreciative of the opportunity to have been a part of it.
What did you accomplish during the Fellowship, both personally and within the community? The most important part of my summer here was the relationships that I’ve formed with the teens at the Boys & Girls Club. I hope that the information I’ve left them with will stay with them and that they’ll continue to feel as though they can talk to me and ask me for advice as they grow older. The curriculum and materials that I put together for the Boys & Girls Club can be used for years to come, and hopefully it will be used by other organizations that have the goal of helping young women.
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GABRIEL RUSK Hometown: Cincinnati, OH Partnering Organization: Kettering University
Project Concentration:
Revitalization of Sunset Village Apartments
School: Michigan State University Major: International Relations &
Comparative Cultures and Politics
Gabe worked with Kettering University to revitalize Sunset Village Apartments as part of the Renew the Avenue program. Together, they assessed the needs of residents in the complex to ultimately provide additions that will improve the quality of life and safety of those living there.
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Why did you choose the Diplomat Fellowship? As someone who has worked on public policy in the past, I thought this would be a great opportunity to get a better understanding of Flint. I also wanted to broaden my own professional experience.
What was your biggest takeaway from the Fellowship Program this summer? I think my biggest takeaway from this is how a company like Diplomat can make a difference in the community.
What did you accomplish during the Fellowship, both personally and within the community? On a personal level, I feel as though I was able to test myself and, by creating my own project, see what I can accomplish on my own.
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COMMITTED TO HEALTH DIPLOMAT’S LOCAL EFFORTS HELP TACKLE A NATIONWIDE PROBLEM At Diplomat, everything we do focuses on health, for our patients and our employees. Thanks to our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team, we can broaden this focus to include our communities as well. Healthy living is a challenge across America. In 2016, the CSR team worked with more than two dozen local and national organizations to help people build healthier and more fulfilling lives. Here are three of their stories. 49
Participants use their neighborhoods more. They feel like it’s a better place to be active because they’ve been able to use it that way.
Andrew Younger
Race Director, Crim Fitness Foundation
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FLINT COMMUNITY TRAINING PROGRAM
NUMBER OF SITES
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS *Goals for sites and participants as of November 2016.
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The FCTP eliminated rotating training locations, instead using a single center in each neighborhood—usually a church or community school—for participants to meet. From the beginning of the FCTP, Diplomat was on board to assist with funding.
each to train through the programs located throughout Genesee County.
CRIM FESTIVAL OF RACES: BRINGING NEIGHBORHOODS TOGETHER
Over time, it became obvious that the demographics of the training groups didn’t reflect Flint’s broader population. Research showed the cost and travel involved in the program were barriers to participation for people with lower incomes.
Although Flint is known as “Vehicle City,” cars aren’t featured in one of its largest annual events. The Crim Festival of Races brings 60,000 runners, walkers, and spectators into downtown Flint each year.
To make the training more inclusive and accessible, the CFF founded the Flint Community Training Program (FCTP) in 2012.
Recognizing the event’s enduring popularity since its founding in 1977, the Crim Fitness Foundation (CFF) started CrimFit training programs in the early ‘90s. Adults paid $150
“We piloted the idea of people creating their own running and walking club that applied the model of the CrimFit training program but was significantly reduced in cost,” said Andrew Younger, CFF race director.
“It’s with Diplomat’s help that this program has grown significantly,” Younger said. The program had one site in its first year and grew to 12 sites in 2016. The goal in 2017 is to have 20 FCTP sites. Another goal is to have 650 FCTP participants in 2017, up from 543 in 2016. Diplomat’s funding has helped offset direct costs for participants, who pay $45 for 15 weeks of training. Each training site also has a coordinator to oversee training. FCTP participants report lower blood pressure, smaller waist sizes, and lower resting heart rates. An unexpected payoff, though, has been increased connection to their communities. “Participants use their neighborhoods more,” Younger said. “They feel like it’s a better place to be active because they’ve been able to use it that way.”
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CAMP MOVE IT: PLAYING FOR HEALTH Eighteen percent of American children ages 6–11 are obese, as are almost 38 percent of adults age 20 or older. This is one symptom of our country’s broader challenge to develop healthy eating and exercise habits. Addressing that issue is difficult, but it can pay off in important ways—particularly for children. To help meet the challenge locally, Hurley Medical Center and the YMCA of Greater Flint’s Camp Copneconic partnered in 2015 to create Camp Move It for children ages 7–12. In 2016, Diplomat sponsored the weeklong summer camp. Camp Move It focuses on physical activity, stress management, and healthy eating— including teaching campers to grow their own food. According to Hurley Community Wellness Manager Danielle Campbell, about 40 campers per year, mostly from ZIP codes in Flint, have participated.
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While the campers have specialized classes on fitness and health, they also enjoy the “typical” camp experience. “Our campers participate in all the activities that make attending camp special—hiking, biking, swimming, human foosball, and more,” Campbell said. “We’re trying to get kids to understand, ‘You don’t have to go to the gym. You just have to play.’” Camp Move It also has “homework” for campers’ parents, who complete their own versions of their children’s activities. “We couldn’t just focus on the kids,” Campbell said. “They don’t cook meals, shop for groceries, or work on the budget. We felt it was very important to get the parents involved so that when kids and parents reunite, they’re on the same page.”
Donations were vital to keep Camp Move It accessible for all audiences. “One thing Diplomat’s partnership allowed us to do that we couldn’t have done otherwise was scholarship the kids,” Campbell said. “If we tell kids ‘you have to pay $420,’ they’re not going to be able to afford to go.” Diplomat’s donation helped lower the cost to $10–75 per camper.
“We’re trying to get kids to understand, ‘You don’t have to go to the gym. You just have to play.’” Danielle Campbell
Community Wellness Manager Hurley Medical Center
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THE DIPLOMAT DIAMOND: BRINGING BASEBALL BACK The crack of the bat … the ball flying high through the sky. Youth baseball, once a staple of American childhood, has been on the decline. Diplomat helped one local organization bring it back to children in Flint. The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint spent many years offering an instructional baseball program to children on its Averill Avenue baseball field. Participation declined over time, however, as the field’s condition steadily worsened. “It’s one of those things where if you’re not doing regular maintenance, it can get out of hand, and we let it get out of hand,” said Tauzzari Robinson, executive director. “[The funding] we have limits what we can do.” Robinson reached out to Adrian Walker, manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at Diplomat. Walker worked to coordinate Diplomat’s funding for the new field.
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Diplomat is huge on helping the community and making sure they’re leading a healthy lifestyle.
Tauzzari Robinson
CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint
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“We looked for who in the community would partner with us,” Robinson said, “and Diplomat was a very willing partner.” The first step to creating the new field was purchasing and applying almost 50 tons of new athletic mix on the field’s surface. Then came new lines on the field and a new entrance sign. An official ribboncutting ceremony in July marked the opening of the refurbished and renamed Diplomat Diamond. At the ribbon-cutting, children who had eagerly anticipated the new field found they could no longer wait now that it was in front of their eyes. “We were doing interviews with the news stations, and the kids got out on the field and started practicing while the cameras were still rolling,” Robinson said. “Having the lines painted, the field weeded, new dirt down—it rejuvenated the kids.” Robinson said Diplomat was a natural fit for a partnership. “Diplomat is huge on helping the community and making sure they’re leading a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “The partnership goes hand-in-hand with working on the youth side of things and making sure they’re healthier individuals.”
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18% OBESE CHILDREN AGE 6–11 IN 20121
7% OBESE CHILDREN AGE 6–11 IN 19802
CHILDREN WHO BECOME OBESE—EVEN AS EARLY AS AGE 2—ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE OBESE AS ADULTS. 3
MORE THAN 80 PERCENT OF GENESEE COUNTY RESIDENTS DON’T EAT ENOUGH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. 6
REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY HELPS CHILDREN LOWER THEIR WEIGHT, INCREASE THEIR STRENGTH, AND REDUCE ANXIETY AND STRESS. 4
46.2% of females in Genesee County5
41.1% of males in Genesee County5
OBESITY IN GENESEE COUNTY IN 2011 COMPARED WITH 36.1 PERCENT OF FEMALES AND 33.8 PERCENT OF MALES NATIONALLY. 5
1. Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Kit BK, Flegal KM. Prevalence of childhood and adult obesity in the United States, 2011-2012. Journal of the American Medical Association 2014;311(8):806-814. 2. National Center for Health Statistics. Health, United States, 2011: With Special Features on Socioeconomic Status and Health. Hyattsville, MD; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2012. 3. Freedman DS, Kettel L, Serdula MK, Dietz WH, Srinivasan SR, Berenson GS. The relation of childhood BMI to adult adiposity: the Bogalusa Heart Study. Pediatrics 2005;115:22–27. 4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee report. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008. 5. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), US County Profile: Genesee County, Michigan. Seattle, WA: IHME, 2015. 6. Speak to Your Health Community Survey. Prevention Research Center of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI, USA: 2009.
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Dale & Phil Hagerman Diplomat Founders
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“We haven’t lost that small-town pharmacy feel. We’re still that pharmacy next door. No matter how big we’ve gotten, we still know what’s important. … At the end of the day for us, it’s always going to be the patient. We don’t lose sight of that.”
Ryan Sweeney
Implementation Manager
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