Employees celebrate Black History Month

At this year’s Black History Month event, Yale New Haven leaders recognized the organizers for their commitment and dedication to the event over the years. From left are: Organizer Linda Hines; Richard D’Aquila, YNHHS president; organizer Diane Jackson; Lisette Martinez, YNHHS chief diversity officer; Ena Williams, RN, YNHH chief nursing officer; Francine LoRusso, RN, YNHH vice president, Patient Services; organizer Cassandra McCoy; Marna Borgstrom, YNHHS CEO; and Michael Bennick, MD.

In celebration of Black History Month in February, Yale New Haven Health’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosted an all-day open house for employees that included food, music and special presentations.

For the 15th consecutive year, as part of the celebration, event organizers Diane Jackson and Cassandra McCoy, both business associates, Nursing Resource Operations Center, along with Linda Hines, a YNHH retiree who returned this year to help with the program, have organized a cultural potluck lunch for employees. Each year, employees of all different backgrounds are invited to come together and share foods and recipes representing their cultures and peruse educational materials about African-American leaders and their contributions throughout history. This year, the event tri-chairs also partnered with community groups to provide entertainment from local church choirs at the celebration.