Health Equity at Maimonides Health

Maimonides Health pledges to provide equitable, quality care with respect and dignity to all our patients, embracing their diverse backgrounds. We continuously demonstrate a willingness and capacity to meet the ever-changing needs of our community through intentional listening and humble learning with cultural humanity, free of judgment and stereotyping.

Maimonides has been a leader in health equity innovation and implementation for decades. Guided by our Department of Population Health, we have been at the forefront of health equity efforts within Maimonides and across communities in Brooklyn. Our commitment to health equity is unwavering.

At Maimonides Health, we also value and celebrate the diversity of our workforce from race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and age to sexual orientation, country of origin, language, citizenship, and ability status. We recognize and embrace the contributions of the diverse voices within our organization. We believe that through conscientious and intentional efforts prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), we can create an environment of belonging for every employee.

Here are a few ways we reduce health disparities, promote equity, and enhance transparency and accountability.

Prioritizing Health Equity

We’ve designed our health equity strategy to eliminate healthcare disparities and achieve optimal health for everyone we serve. Our strategic plan aligns with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Framework for Health Equity 2022-2032 and focuses on five main priorities.

1. Expand and Improve Data Collection and Analysis

We are committed to improving standardized data collection, reporting, and analysis to understand the population we serve and identify health disparities. Examples include revising race, ethnicity, and language categories in registration systems and implementing a standardized Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screening tool in Electronic Health Records (EHRs.)

2. Advance Language Access, Health Literacy, and the Provision of Culturally Tailored Services

We aim to increase promotion and access to interpreter services and culturally tailored services to improve patient safety and health outcomes. We achieve this goal by documenting preferred languages in EHRs and expanding access to video remote interpreting (VRI) services.

3. Build Healthcare Organizations and Workforce Capacity

Creating a unified vision of health equity is a top priority. We do this by moving from isolated health issue solutions to an integrated approach that enhances access, quality, and outcomes for specific populations. We also work to recruit and retain a diverse workforce to better serve our community. We also partner with organizations like Brooklyn Communities Collaborative, which advances workforce development programs to fill healthcare positions in high-need communities.

4. Assess and Address Causes of Disparities and Inequities

We are committed to developing sustainable solutions to close gaps in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes. These solutions include creating a health equity dashboard and developing quality improvement modules for addressing healthcare disparities.

5. Increase Accessibility to Services and Coverage

Our efforts ensure individuals and families can access healthcare services when and where they need them. Strategies include conducting community health needs assessments and strengthening partnerships with community-based organizations.

Advance an Anchor Mission Approach

We are committed to aligning our institutional and operational resources with our clinical mission. As an anchor institution in Brooklyn and a member of the Healthcare Anchor Network, we actively invest in and engage with the health of our communities by contracting with local businesses, developing a healthcare workforce right here in Brooklyn, and reinvesting in communities across the borough.

Department of Population Health

Our Department of Population Health supports an integrated healthcare and social services network to improve Brooklyn’s health, well-being and health equity. Population Health has the community ties and healthcare expertise to develop and oversee innovative and effective programs to address the social determinants of health.

Support Organizations that Advance Health Equity

We actively partner with and support community-based organizations that offer programs and services addressing the social determinants of health, working alongside them to promote well-being and bridge gaps in health equity. Furthering these efforts are the three interrelated and distinct entities that the Department of Population Health provides management services and support to: Brooklyn Communities Collaborative (BCC), Brooklyn Health Home (BHH), and CCB Independent Practice Association (CCB IPA).

Provide Community-Based Care Management and Comprehensive Transitional Care

We are committed to providing care within the community that addresses the social determinants of health. From the transitional care team that facilitates safe and appropriate services for post-discharged patients to community-based care management services that support individuals’ distinct care needs, we are committed to the health and well-being of every patient.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

Our DEI initiatives are at the heart of fostering an inclusive and equitable environment at Maimonides.

Our Mission

To provide quality healthcare services to our diverse communities and a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment where diverse employees of all levels and identities are valued, respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Our Vision

Maimonides fosters healthy communities through high-quality, compassionate patient care and comprehensive community services. We educate healthcare professionals and conduct research that improves patient lives, driven by our core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our DEI initiatives are at the heart of fostering an inclusive and equitable environment at Maimonides. Our efforts involve providing DEI training at all levels and implementing pipeline programs to attract diverse applicants.

DEI Committee

The DEI Committee is an advisory group dedicated to building an organizational culture that practices DEI core values. The committee plans and implements initiatives, provides DEI education and unconscious bias training, sponsors events, and supports Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs).

Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs)

BERGs include volunteer staff members with similar interests working toward mutual goals. These groups foster a sense of belonging, provide mentorship and coaching, and support professional development. Support from the community enhances BERG initiatives. The current BERGs at Maimonides include:

• African, Black & Caribbean American (ABC) BERG
• Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) BERG
• Hispanic BERG
• LGBTQIA+ BERG (an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC))
• Maimo Women’s BERG
• Military Veteran BERG

Our Procurement Commitment

We understand firsthand the role healthcare institutions play in supporting the health and wealth of our communities. Maimonides Health has committed to procuring 10% of our non-clinical goods and services from local minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) by 2030.

Impact and Progress

Our goal is to make significant strides in our health equity initiatives, demonstrating our commitment to reducing disparities and improving care for all individuals. Here are a few initiatives making strides:

• Health Equity Dashboard: Continuously monitor and identify patient care disparities.
• Community Health Needs Assessment: Conduct community health needs assessments to develop effective strategies addressing priority community needs and guiding targeted interventions that improve health outcomes.
• Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Screenings: Enhance healthcare referral processes for those at risk by screening for the non-medical factors influencing their health outcomes.

Community Engagement

We actively engage with our community through strategic partnerships and participation in community health events. Our efforts include establishing Patient and Family Advisory Boards, a diverse committee consisting of hospital staff and patient and family representatives who serve as advisors. These boards work together on initiatives to enhance patient and family centered health care at Maimonides and leverage existing programs like Community Care of Brooklyn.

How to Get Involved

We invite community members, employees, and partners to engage in our health equity efforts. You can support our Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs), participate in community events, and connect with us through strategic collaboration to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare. To get involved, check out our PFAC Application or email [email protected].