YNHHS leaders discuss race, diversity and inclusion

Health system leaders participating in the dialogue included (l-r): Moderator Kevin Myatt, senior vice president, Human Resources; and panelists Marna Borgstrom, YNHHS CEO; Richard D’Aquila, YNHHS president; Anne Diamond, Bridgeport Hospital president; Patrick Green, president and CEO of Lawrence + Memorial and Westerly hospitals; Prathibha Varkey, MBBS, NEMG president and CEO; and Norman Roth, Greenwich Hospital president and CEO.

As part of its Let’s Talk series, the YNHHS Office of Diversity and Inclusion recently presented a webcast panel discussion, “Race in America and what it means for diversity and inclusion at YNHHS.”

Several hundred employees from across the health system tuned in to the hour-long dialogue, in which leaders shared personal journeys, described race complexities they’ve encountered and discussed strategies related to systemic racism.

Moderator Kevin Myatt, YNHHS senior vice president and chief Human Resources officer, summed up some of the key messages of the presentation. “Now that the conversation on race has begun in our workplace, it’s time to dig deeper within ourselves and reflect on why race is difficult to talk about, understand the challenges we face relative to race, and better support each other to increase inclusion and respect,” he said. “Remember to make a conscientious effort to communicate with each other and speak up when inappropriate behavior is present. Be open to understanding multiple viewpoints and work with those who think, act, look and believe differently than you. Don’t dismiss our differences – embrace them. Celebrate each other’s work and acknowledge how differences add value to the team.”

The video of the webcast is available on the Office of Diversity and Inclusion intranet page. New training on discrimination will be rolled out to employees throughout the health system in the spring.