ENGAGE UC HEA LTH COMMUN ITY R EL ATIONS
IN THIS ISSUE: Community Highlights
ABOVE: Kneeling in silent protest, the University of Cincinnati medical community responded to George Floyd’s death as they participated in the nationwide movement, “White Coats for Black Lives.”
Racism – A Public Health Crisis Community Spotlight: Jihao Guo, Mason High School Junior Young Adult Influencers help to Educate and Protect Our Community The Midwest Black Family Reunion UC Health Welcomes New Chief Diversity Officer – Jeanetta Darno
THIRD QUARTER 2020
A MESSAGE FROM UC HEALTH CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER
At UC Health, our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy focuses on four areas aligned to support our timeless purpose to advance healing and reduce suffering. The four strategic areas of focus are workplace culture, workforce diversity, health equity and economic inclusion. We believe that these set the foundation to a holistic integrated approach to lasting, meaningful change and sustainable progress. Creating meaningful change starts with acknowledging that we are still a long way from true equity and inclusion for all. In my first year with our healthcare system, I have witnessed our Cincinnati community come together to demand action to confront racial inequities, health disparities and racial injustices. It was also a time to look inward and realize we could do better as an organization. Together, let’s ensure that this moment fuels the momentum to driving sustainable change in our organization and our community. And together, let’s start with LISTENING to increase our awareness, LEARNING to understand and LEADING openly with actions and words that advance diversity, equity and inclusion! We thank you for your endless collaboration. We hope that this issue of Engage reminds us that together we have made some progress and, together, we will do better.
Jeanetta Darno Chief Diversity Officer UC Health
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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS WHITE COATS FOR BLACK LIVES – JUNE 5 Kneeling in silent protest, the University of Cincinnati medical community responded to George Floyd’s death as they participated in the nationwide movement, “White Coats for Black Lives.” Over 400 medical professionals and students donned masks and fanned out on the steps of the UC College of Medicine’s CARE/ Crawley Building. The group kneeled for eight minutes and 46 seconds to remember the death of George Floyd, who was tragically killed by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25. Students and faculty at the UC College of Medicine were joined by physicians from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, UC Health, the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center along with healthcare providers from other hospital systems across the city.
JUNETEENTH – JUNE 19 The 155th anniversary of Juneteenth was observed on June 19, commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. in 1865. Recent events in our country are a reminder that there is still work to be done. We all play a role in eradicating racism, eliminating social injustice and creating equality for all people. The Diversity & Inclusion Council at UC Health’s West Chester Hospital held a gathering to celebrate Juneteenth. The group joined together in eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence to reflect on how every team member is an integral part in promoting equality and inclusion at UC Health.
THANK YOU TO THE CINCINNATI OPERA! – JULY 9 UC Health thanks the Cincinnati Opera for stopping by West Chester Hospital on July 9 to put on an outdoor concert for our team. Those who were able to step away from their duties to enjoy this show were wowed with the beautiful voice of soprano, Victoria Ellington. Her program included the classic song “Summertime” from the well-known opera “Porgy and Bess.” She also sang a fun rendition of “Dancing in the Street” by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, in addition to several other wonderful selections. Thank you to the Cincinnati Opera for sharing the love with our team at West Chester Hospital!
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RACISM – A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS
Whether it is the life expectancy difference between Avondale, a predominantly African American neighborhood surrounding University of Cincinnati Medical Center and the more affluent white neighboring area of North Avondale; or whether it’s the disparities in infant mortality and Black maternal mortality, we see this disparity every day on our campus and in our community. Across the country, Black Americans suffer from higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, asthma and heart disease than white Americans. We know that racism affects a wide variety of the social determinants of health including transportation, employment, food access, housing and more. It is a reality that we have come to know all too well – racism is a public health crisis.
UC Health is proud to stand in solidarity with legislators across Ohio and our nation, who have introduced important measures to declare racism as a public health crisis across our nation and in our communities. This is an important step as we collectively begin to address the unacceptable legacy of individual and structural racism. UC Health is on the front lines and witnesses the health disparities that exist in our community daily. We recognize that there is so much more work to be done to condemn and address systematic racism and the underlying conditions that allow inequities to persist. Nationally, over 170,000 people have lost their lives to the COVID-19 virus. Across the country and at home, this pandemic continues to negatively impact African American families and communities of color at a disproportionate rate. Local death statistics tell an unacceptable story. The most recent data shows African Americans have accounted for over 60% of the region’s COVID-19 deaths.
At UC Health, we recognize that racism is a reality and a struggle for our employees, patients, families and communities of color. We stand in solidarity with leaders in our region and continue to strive to eradicate inequality within our own institution and our community. Together, we must do better.
We know that the disparate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black and Brown communities has only highlighted the disparities that have existed for a long time.
BELOW: State and local officials join Cincinnati City Councilmembers Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, Wendell Young and P.G. Sittenfeld in their introduction of legislation that declared systemic racism a public health crisis in Cincinnati.
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: JIHAO GUO, MASON HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR
When Mason High School junior, Jihao Guo, first learned about the COVID-19 virus as it began to spread in China – he felt that he needed to do something to help. Guo and his friends sprung into action and began fundraising to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) to help those in need. As the virus quickly spread around the world, Guo found that suddenly healthcare workers in Cincinnati were in the same dire situation. Utilizing fundraising skills and the connections he had forged in China, Guo created a GoFundMe page, the Coronavirus Relief Project, with the goal of raising money to purchase much-needed protective equipment from China to distribute locally.
“The efforts of Mr. Guo and his team have not only benefited UC Health workers, but we’ve also helped connect the Coronavirus Relief Project with those in most need in our community,” said Tamara Lang, director of community relations at UC Health. “We are so grateful for his efforts and for all those within the community who are showing support for our medical professionals, patients and community during this time.” In addition to UC Health, the Coronavirus Relief Project has also donated PPE to Santa Maria Community Services, New Foundations Community Housing, Alliance Integrated Medicine, Community Matters, Avondale Development Corporation, Mason City Schools, the Urban League of Southwestern Ohio, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy and the Center for Closing the Health Gap.
“We saw healthcare workers in our community rise to address the virus head on. We saw images of doctors and nurses working long hours, but at the same we were learning of the shortage of medical supplies and PPE that these workers in our community needed,” said Guo. “We felt that this was unacceptable and that we needed to step up to help defeat the virus.”
When asked what lays ahead for the Coronavirus Relief Project, Guo says that it will depend on the situation.
Guo and friends recognized an opportunity to help. As China began to recover, the supply of masks became available for purchase there. With limitations on exports, Guo went about purchasing one package of masks at a time – each containing approximately 100 masks. To date, he has managed to import over 15,000 masks from China for distribution locally.
“We have one more donation coming up, but masks are no longer in dire shortage,” said Guo. “The time that we mobilized our efforts was very critical and we were able to help when it needed the most.”
As soon as the PPE began coming in, Guo reached out to UC Health to make his first donation. Most recently, Guo donated 500 procedural masks, 38 N95 masks, 20 handmade face shields and one bodysuit to UC Health.
For now, Guo’s next step is into his senior year at Mason High School, where he is involved in Science Olympiad, speech and debate team and plays cello and a Chinese instrument—the erhu. This school year will look different for Guo and his peers in light of COVID-19, and we wish them all the best. We look forward to seeing Guo succeed and are excited to see whatever the future holds for him.
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BLACK FAMILY REUNION
UC Health has a longstanding tradition as presenting sponsor of the Midwest Black Family Reunion. In a typical year, employees look forward to meeting our neighbors and walking with UC Health President & CEO, Richard P. Lofgren, MD, in the annual BFR parade in Avondale, providing health screenings at Sawyer Point and dancing to lively musical performances in the evenings. In light of COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines, the 32nd Black Family Reunion took an innovative twist and went virtual with organizers planning a series of online concerts and events from August 13-16.
The theme of this year’s Black Family Reunion was “Faithful and Fearless.” “I can’t think of a better theme for this year’s celebration,” said Tamara Lang, director of community relations at UC Health. “This year has proven to be incredibly challenging in so many ways, but across the nation we have seen Black families remain incredibly faithful and fearless in the face of extremely difficult circumstances. This call to faithfulness has been on full display this year through the social activism we have seen across the county and speaks to the enduring faith Black families continue to have in themselves and in America.”
“We felt that this was too important of a year in the history of our community and the Black family community not to have something for the community,” said Tracey Artis, executive director of the Black Family Reunion. “We wanted to create a virtual experience for the community to come together and celebrate, while getting important resources to those that needed them down at Sawyer Point.”
The community came together to live into this year’s theme on Facebook Live for virtual events throughout the weekend. Participants heard from keynote speakers, Dr. O’dell Owens and Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant. Live and uplifting performances by Kenny Lattimore and Kierra Sheard took place on Saturday and Sunday. Local business owners Jesse and Iris Roley and their family were honored as this year’s Black Family Reunion Family of the Year.
Those in need of resources had the opportunity to stop at Sawyer Point on Saturday, Aug. 15, for free COVID -19 testing, school supplies pickup, voter registration and the chance to pick up a food box. Attendees were able to do all of this without leaving their cars and maintained safe social distance.
UC Health was proud to once again serve as the presenting sponsor of the Midwest Black Family Reunion and join in the virtual festivities. We look forward to next year – when we can hopefully join the community to celebrate together in person.
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YOUNG ADULT INFLUENCERS HELP TO EDUCATE AND PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY The videos as well as other COVID-19 resources are being shared on a resource website that was launched by a coalition of leading voices and non-profit organizations serving Cincinnati’s African American and other underserved and marginalized populations.
Recent trends have shown that cases of COVID-19 are increasing among populations ages 35 and under. Seeing the need for greater information in our community, Renee Mahaffey Harris, president & CEO of the Center for Closing the Health Gap, stepped up to bring together a key group of young adult influencers to share their stories with COVID-19 and help reverse this trend.
“Collectively, we serve thousands of people in underserved and marginalized communities and neighborhoods across the region,” said Mahaffey Harris. “These residents are bearing a disproportionate share of the burden related to this unprecedented crisis. Part of our mission is ensuring that our community has equitable access to information and we’re leaning on our young leaders to help share the message”
One such influencer is Kenyatta Smith, a Cincinnati firefighter and DJ host (aka DJ Vader), who is a COVID-19 survivor. In a Mask On Campaign video produced by the Health Gap, Smith shared, “I’m here to talk to you about COVID-19 and what it felt like to have it. I remember not being able to take a deep breath, not being able to talk. It stays with you... At the very worst, I didn’t think I’d be able to make it to the next day.” He explained that while he understands that people want to be sociable, they also need to take the global pandemic seriously and understand that it is real. He concluded the video by encouraging viewers to take action. “I’m asking you to mask on for you – and definitely and mask on for us,” he said.
UC Health is proud of leaders such as Mahaffey Harris, who is also a valued member of UC Health’s CAC, and advises UC Health on the needs of community residents and UC Health patients. The website, which is built and hosted by the Health Gap, was created so that other local leaders and non-profits can also contribute important content as the crisis continues to evolve. Content can be submitted at covid19communityresources.com/submit.
Smith is one of many young people who have stepped up to share their stories and take their message to the community. In addition to the Mask On Campaign, influencers are speaking on the radio and using their platform to share the important public health message.
The site can be accessed at covid19communityresources.com.
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UC HEALTH WELCOMES NEW CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER – JEANETTA DARNO
UC Health is pleased to introduce Jeanetta Darno, SPHR, who was named chief diversity officer for UC Health, on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020. In this new role for UC Health, Jeanetta is responsible for leading efforts to advance our actions and behaviors that support an inclusive culture at all levels, and promote our reputation as a great place to work for all. She will report directly to President and CEO, Richard P. Lofgren, MD. Jeanetta brings more than 20 years of experience in leading diversity, inclusion and human resources. She progressed through several leadership positions with Huntington National Bank, Nationwide Insurance, Cardinal Health, Stanley Works and H-E-B Grocery Co., before serving as vice president and global chief diversity and inclusion officer for Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Additionally, in 2004 she founded Strategic HR Advisors, a management consulting and executive coaching organization she still leads. A globally recognized thought leader and speaker on diversity and inclusion, Jeanetta has a proven track record in developing and implementing communications and organizational change to drive diversity and talent management initiatives designed to support strategic business goals. In 2015, Jeanetta received the Ohio Diversity Council Most Powerful and Influential Woman Award. Jeanetta is also a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, having served as a captain in the U.S. Army from 1986 to 1993. She received numerous awards and accommodations for outstanding performance and service, including for leading logistics movement control teams during Operation Desert Storm. Jeanetta holds a bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University, a master’s degree in human resources from the University of Central Texas, a Master of Business Administration from The Ohio State University and recently completed Harvard’s Strategies for Building and Leading Diverse Organizations program. She also serves on the national board of directors of Camp Fire and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council. We congratulate Jeanetta on her recent acceptance to Leadership Cincinnati Class 44 and look forward to the great things she will accomplish in Cincinnati. At UC Health, Inclusion is one of our PRIIDE values and is ingrained in all that we do. We’re excited for Jeanetta to help us grow our diversity and inclusion efforts—with our team, our patients and our business partners—to ensure UC Health proudly reflects the community we serve. We are very pleased to welcome Jeanetta to UC Health.
MEET THE TEAM Christie Kuhns, Esq. Chief of Staff, Vice President of Operations & Community Relations 513-585-8124 christie.kuhns@uchealth.com
Tamara Lang
Director, Community Relations 513-585-7495 tamara.lang@uchealth.com
IN SCIENCE LIVES HOPE.
Dan Maxwell
Manager, Community Relations 513-585-8128 daniel.maxwell@uchealth.com