Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Two diverse women

The Time Is Now

At Community Health Network, our mission is to enhance health and well-being across the communities we serve. Over the last three years, our organization has significantly deepened its commitment in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), both inside and outside the organization. We have undertaken wide-ranging DEI initiatives, made major financial investments, and enhanced our DEI team. Our promise of “Exceptional care. Simply delivered.” means we strive to provide culturally competent care that meets the needs of our patients and caregivers.

Learn more about our commitment to DEI below and please consider joining us in our pledge to create a safe space of belonging for every single caregiver and patient in the Network.

DEI Strategic Plan

Our DEI strategic plan provides a guiding focus and pathway for DEI activity across Community Health Network and the communities served. The plan includes six pillars of focus with goals for implementation.

Plan Summary and Pillars

Take the DEI Pledge

We invite all members of our network to join us in taking the pledge to celebrate and protect the diversity, equity and inclusion of all people. By participating, you pledge to join Community Health Network in our nine guiding beacons – elements that are essential to creating a positive environment for patients and caregivers, both inside and outside of the workplace.

Take the Pledge

From Our Leadership

Bryan Mills, President and CEO, Community Health NetworkBryan Mills, President and CEO

Community Health Network’s mission is to enhance health and well-being across all the communities we serve—and we’re committed to doing so in a way that embraces diversity, ensures equity and promotes inclusion (DEI).

For Community, I’m optimistic and energized about our opportunity to make a measurable and sustainable difference, because we’re both a major local employer and a provider of healthcare services to more than 600,000 patients a year. I truly believe that, together, we can effect change on multiple levels.

We must continue our ongoing efforts to build a DEI-centric employee experience. We must make a positive impact as a provider of healthcare services, gaining a full understanding of inequities in access and outcomes, then pursuing changes that will address those inequities. And we must fully leverage our influence as a major local corporate citizen, to lead by example in supporting more just and equitable communities.

The challenges of DEI are deep, cultural and systemic. A long road lies ahead in understanding and addressing those challenges. But if I know anything about Community Health Network, I know we are fully welcoming the journey. And we’re on our way.

Ram Yeleti, MD, chief physician executiveRam Yeleti, MD, EVP, Chief Physician Executive

Our mission at Community Health Network is to enhance the health and well-being of the communities we serve. That is a powerful and deeply inspirational statement. Our mission calls on us to root out the causes of health inequities and improve health outcomes for all whom we serve. Our mission challenges us to reduce and wipe away inequities in health outcomes in all of our communities.

Healthcare—equal in access, affordability, quality and outcomes—is a right that should be afforded to all, and anything less is unacceptable. As a physician and one of the leaders of Community Health Network, I am proud to represent a physician enterprise that has come together to shrink gaps, remove barriers and provide exceptional care. I am up for this noble challenge and hope that each of you is as well.

Kristin Sherman, Community board chairKristin Sherman, Board Chair

It is my honor to succeed Bruce King as chair of the Community Health Network board of directors.

As board chair, I am called upon to help guide the organization. But above that, I am here to serve along with every single member of the Community Health Network team. We have a responsibility to serve Community’s patients, caregivers, partners and communities.

To serve any of them means to serve all of them, to welcome their uniqueness, to achieve equity in outcomes and to promote a true sense of belonging. Those are the cornerstones of Community’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – a commitment that runs as deeply today as it ever has since opening its doors in an east-side Indianapolis neighborhood in 1956.

We have miles and miles to go in our DEI journey, and many lessons to learn from the past. But I’m proud that we’ve embraced the journey, and I’m grateful to play a small part in it.

De parte de nuestros líderes

Bryan Mills, President and CEO, Community Health NetworkBryan Mills, President and CEO

La misión de Community Health Network es la de realzar el nivel de la salud y del bienestar en todas las comunidades donde servimos—y estamos comprometidos a hacerlo de una manera que fomente la diversidad, asegure la equidad y promueva la inclusión (DEI).

Con respecto a Community, me siento optimista y vigorizado con nuestra oportunidad para realizar una diferencia mensurable y sostenible, en nuestra capacidad tanto como de un empleador importante de la localidad como proveedor de servicios de atención médica para pacientes que sobrepasan los 600.000 al año. Yo verdaderamente creo que, juntos, podemos efectuar cambios en múltiples niveles.

Debemos continuar nuestros esfuerzos en curso para crear una experiencia centrada en la DEI para nuestros empleados. Debemos realizar un impacto positivo como empleador de servicios de salud, profundizando el entendimiento de inequidades en el acceso y en los resultados, y luego persiguiendo cambios que aborden estas inequidades. Y debemos aprovechar al máximo nuestra influencia como un ciudadano corporativo local importante, para liderar por ejemplo el apoyo de comunidades más justas y equitatitvas.

Los desafíos de la DEI son profundos, culturales y sistémicos. Y nos queda un largo recorrido hacia adelante para comprender y abordar estas cuestiones. Pero si yo sé algo sobre Community Health Network sé que acogemos por completo este recorrido. Y va hemos empezado.

Ram Yeleti, MD, chief physician executiveRam Yeleti, MD, EVP, Chief Physician Executive

Nuestra misión de Community Health Network es la de realzar el nivel de la salud y del bienestar en las comunidades donde servimos. Esta es una declaración inspiracional poderosa y profunda. Nuestra misión nos llama a desenraizar las causas de inequidades en la salud y mejorar sus resultados para todos a quienes servimos. Nuestra misión nos reta a reducir y limpiar inequidades en los resultados en materia de salud en todas nuestras comunidades.

Atención de salud—igualdad en acceso, asequibilidad, calidad y resultados—es un derecho que debe ser concedido a todos, y algo inferior es inaceptable. Como médico y uno de los líderes de Community Health Network, es un orgullo para mí representar a una empresa médica que se ha unido para reducir las separaciones, remover las barreras y proporcionar atención excepcional. Estoy resuelto con este noble desafío y espero que cada uno de ustedes lo estén también.

Kristin Sherman, Community board chairKristin Sherman, Board Chair

Es un honor suceder a Bruce King y presidir la Junta Directiva de Community Health Network.

Como el líder de la junta, mi llamado es el de ayudar a encaminar a la organización. Sobre todo, me encuentro aquí para servir junto con cada miembro del equipo de Community Health Network.  Tenemos una responsabilidad de servir a los pacientes, proveedores de atención, comunidades y socios de Community.  

El servir a uno de los mencionados arriba significa servir a todos, acogiendo su singularidad, logrando equidad en resultados y promoviendo un verdadero espíritu de pertenencia. Aquellos son los pilares del compromiso de Community hacia la Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión (DEI) – un compromiso profundo tal como siempre ha sido desde que se abrieron sus puertas en el barrio del este de Indianapolis en 1956.

Nos queda muchas millas por recorrer en nuestro viaje de DEI y muchas lecciones que aprender del pasado. Es un orgullo para mí saber que hemos acogido este viaje y me complace jugar un pequeño papel en el mismo.

Diversity News

Explore what's new with our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Community Health Network.

Note our commitment to diversity in the workforce, listen to our Community podcast on health and well-being our communities, see how we're helping the next generation of student leaders, explore the pledge that Community and other local health systems have taken to end health disparities in minority communities, meet our Project Search interns, and more. 

Diversity word cloud

How We Work to Advance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Here are some ways we advance diversity at Community Health Network:

Recruitment, Retention and Representation

Talent acquisition efforts work to ensure that our workforce is representative of the communities we serve. We invite all interested candidates to explore job openings at Community.

Careers at Community

Representation Today

Charts on the right show Community's employee representation for race and ethnicity (overall, leadership, physicians and nurses), and sex (male/female).*

Choose a category below to view the chart and data.

Select a category:

 

 

Representation Chart Data - Transcripts

If charts cannot be viewed, readers may refer to these transcripts of the data illustrated in sex and race/ethnicity representation charts, including breakdowns for "Other" category.

Race & Ethnicity Representation

Charts illustrate Community's current representation for race and ethnicity overall, and in leadership, physicians and nurses.

Overall

  • 78.6% White
  • 14.3% African American/Black
  • 2.7% Asian
  • 4.4% Other*

*Hispanic/Latino (2.2%), Two or More Races (1.8%), No Designation (0.3%), American Indian/Alaska Native (0.2%), Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (0.1%)

Leadership

  • 92.2% White
  • 5.2% African American/Black
  • 1.0% Two or More Races
  • 1.6% Other*

*Hispanic/Latino (0.5%), American Indian/Alaska Native (0.2%), Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (0%), No Designation (0%),

Physicians

  • 66.5% White
  • 21.4% Asian
  • 6.6% African American/Black
  • 5.5% Other*

*Hispanic/Latino (2.6%), Two or More Races (2%), Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (0.4%), American Indian/Alaska Native (0.2%), No Designation (0.1%),

Nursing

  • 80.5% White
  • 13.1% African American/Black
  • 2.2% Hispanic/Latino
  • 4.2% Other*

*Two or More Races (2%), Asian (1.7%), American Indian/Alaska Native (0.3%), No Designation (0.3%), Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (0.2%)

Sex Representation

Chart illustrates Community's current representation for sex (male/female).

  • Overall: 82% female and 18% male
  • Management: 82% female and 18% male
  • Leadership: 64% female and 36% male

Education and Learning

Community Health Network strives to create educational and training opportunities for employees to practice cultural humility and to develop knowledge and skills on their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) journey. Further, we seek to develop cultural-competent skills to better relate to patients and each other and promote a sense of belonging for everyone.

Supplier Diversity

Community Health Network's commitment to supplier diversity provides increased opportunities for integrating and maximizing procurement for minority, women and veteran (MWVBE) businesses. Click below for more information about becoming a vendor at Community.

Vendor Relations

Community Partnerships

Partnering with local organizations creates leadership development, business skill and career planning opportunities for youth with disabilities to help them transition to meaningful employment opportunities.

Partners and Students

Language Services

Community Health Network has medical interpreters - available at no cost 24/7 - to assist patients, their family members, and other legally authorized persons with verbal and written interpretation in clinical settings and more.

More About Language Services

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Milestones

DEI Strategic Design Team Retreat

Our DEI strategic plan provides a guiding focus and pathway for DEI activity across Community Health Network and the communities served. Watch the video to learn more about a retreat to help design the plan with Community caregivers and leadership.

2022 Black Men in White Coats Event Recap

2022 African American Legacy Fund Scholarship Celebration

DEI Resources

Here is a snapshot of DEI educational opportunities, tools, and resources for employee development, ensuring our commitment to provide culturally-competent care.

DEI Leader Certificate Program

The four-course leadership development program focuses on Mitigating Implicit Bias and Addressing Privilege as Leaders, Creating Inclusive Workspaces where everyone belongs, Recruiting and Retention Strategies with belonging in mind, and Mentoring and Sponsoring Teams.

Recognizing and Responding to Implicit Bias and Microaggressions

An Introduction to Unconscious Bias, Racial Implicit Bias, LGBTQ+ Implicit Bias, and Age Implicit Bias.

Creating Culturally Inclusive Environments

A training designed to promote knowledge and skills for creating an inclusive environment.

We Ask Because We Care

A training that equips caregivers with knowledge in how to ask patients for REaL (Race, Ethnicity, and Language) data.

DEI Quarterly Newsletter

A digital educational resource tool released each quarter throughout the year. Each quarterly issue covers a current DEI theme that promotes additional learning opportunities.

Cultural Celebrations and Observances

A monthly digital communication to celebrate the diversity of all people and their cultures, commemorate historical figures, and promote awareness.

Employee Resource Groups

Black Providers Resource Group

At Community Health Network and Community Physician Network, we are passionate about leading the way in our efforts around Inclusion, one of our PRIIDE values. As part of that commitment, we have established our Black Providers Resource Group—a group that will not only hear concerns, but also act upon and resolve them. Our group is open to providers of all races and backgrounds who are inspired to be part of this important work. Our group aims to “improve communications and problem-solving opportunities between Community Health Network leadership and Black/African American providers, ensuring positive engagement and a work environment that supports recruitment and retention of Black/African American providers.” Our PRIIDE value of Inclusion commits Community to striving “to be an organization where all people groups feel welcome, empowered and recognized as respected, contributing members of the community.”

Black Nurses Caregiver Resource Group

This group is an opportunity for collegiality, comfort, collaboration, connectivity and conversations about what's on the hearts and minds of the participants. It provides a safe space for nurses and other healthcare professionals of color to have conversations about their experiences with racism, discrimination and institutionalized supremacy. The space aims to foster a renewal of spirits and restore endless passion for what and who we are as nurses.

LGBTQIA+

The LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group at Community Health Network is a designated space for caregivers who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community to promote growth and authenticity while encouraging feelings of belonging and acceptance within our organization. Through educational initiatives, community engagement, and celebratory events, our focus is fostering an environment where all LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies feel valued and respected. At Community Health Network, diversity is not just embraced; it's a cornerstone of our commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering workplace. The LGBTQIA+ ERG plays a vital role in advancing this commitment to belonging and inclusion, contributing to a workplace that reflects the richness of our diverse and vibrant workforce.

Women's Leadership Group

The Women’s Leadership Group is a resource group that is a part of Community Health Network’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. The goal of the Women’s Leadership Group is to support women leaders at all stages of their career. The group began as a grassroots networking group nearly 10 years ago, meeting informally at first—now more formally under our DEI leadership. Our purpose is to develop, mentor and support women leaders at each stage of their career.

All women leaders in the role of manager or above are invited to join. The Women’s Leadership Group offers networking events regularly where members learn, share and network together. A few examples of topics discussed at our networking events include:

  • Leading a team virtually
  • Leading during times of crisis
  • Self-care in the midst of a pandemic
  • Making future hybrid work environments inclusive and equitable
  • Daring Bravely book club
  • Radical Candor book club
  • The difference between sponsorship and mentorship
  • Imposter syndrome and why we should no longer use that term
Community Outreach and Engagement

Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit
Our summits bring students, parents, educators, clinicians, and community leaders together to uplift our communities. The goal of the summit is to inspire our youth to consider careers in healthcare while laying the foundation for success via mentorship and networking. Community Health Network in conjunction with the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township held Indiana’s inaugural Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit, November 12, 2022. Learn more about Black Men in White Coats.

Indy Pride
An annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons. Community Health Network participates in this event to celebrate the achievements of our LGBTQIA+ employees and reinforce our commitment to diversity. Learn more about Indy Pride.

Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair
Community provides health screening services including cholesterol, glucose, A1C and creatinine testing. We also provide education on diabetes, stroke, weight loss and wellness. Learn more about the health fair.

Indiana Latino Expo
The Indiana Latino Expo “ILE” is a nonprofit statewide organization that represents a platform of opportunities for the Latino community. During the annual expo event, Community provides health and wellness screenings. Learn more about ILE.

More Community Benefit

Based on the unique needs of the community, we develop Community benefit programs to provide treatment, promote health and support healing.

Explore Community Benefit

Community Health Network Foundation

Our three foundations are also central to our community connections. They generate funding through donations and grants that help to drive our strategic organizational outcomes—and in doing so, they support our mission.

Learn More

Accessibility Patient and Family Advisory Council

Do you have ideas about how to improve accessibility for patients at our facilities? Join our Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), which meets regularly online to collaborate with patient partners. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Apply Today!

Our Team

Our dedicated Community team tirelessly drives our efforts to uphold our network values of diversity, equity and inclusion. Learn more about our DEI leadership team below.

Meet the DEI Team