Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Accountability: Creating processes and systems that are designed to help individuals and groups be responsible for their decisions, actions, and work that reflects and embodies principles of justice. (PHAB, 2022) 

Bias: An inclination or preference that interferes with impartial judgment. (SAMHSA, 2022) 

Cultural Humility: An interpersonal stance that is open to individuals and different cultural communities and experiences in relation to aspects of one’s own cultural identity. Maintaining cultural humility requires learning and understanding the complexity of identities and how they evolve over time. (NACo, 2021) 

Diversity: The presence of different and multiple characteristics that make up individual and collective identities. Fully engaging and benefiting from diversity requires equitable conditions and a culture of inclusion. 

Health Equity: Achieved when everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. This requires removing obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and their consequences. 

Inclusion: The act of welcoming, respecting, supporting, and valuing all people, all voices, and truly engaging them, listening to, and valuing their experiences and perspectives. Inclusion requires sustainable and meaningful engagement with people and organizations that represent diversity in experience, thought, and culture.

Justice: The responsibility to challenge and diminish barriers, avoid causing harm, and create opportunities for an equitable society so that all individuals and communities can live meaningful lives. (PHAB, 2022) 

Prejudice: An inclination or preference, especially one that interferes with impartial judgment and can be rooted in stereotypes that deny the right of individual members of certain groups to be recognized and treated as individuals with unique characteristics. (NACo, 2021) 

Privilege: When one group has an unquestioned and unearned set of advantages, benefits, entitlements, or choices, that are denied to others simply because of the group(s) they belong to, rather than because of anything they’ve done or failed to do. (PHAB, 2022)

Structural Racism: A system of social structures that produces cumulative, durable, race-based inequities, rooted in widespread historical and persistent barriers that keep people of color from having equal access to opportunity, resources, and power. (PHAB, 2022)

The purpose of this policy is to establish the commitment of NKY Health to promote and uphold principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within its operations, services, and relationships. By fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and fairness, the department aims to ensure equitable access to services, eliminate disparities, and enhance overall community health outcomes.

At NKY Health, we recognize the inherent value and strength that diversity brings to our organization and the communities we serve. We are dedicated to building an inclusive and equitable environment where all individuals are valued, respected, and provided equal opportunities to thrive. This policy serves as a guiding framework to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our practices, policies, and interactions. Additionally, it aligns with the organizational values and strategic objectives of NKY Health.

• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:  We are committed to embracing diversity, promoting equity, and fostering inclusion in all aspects of our work. This commitment extends to our staff, partners, clients, and the community at large. We strive to build a workforce and leadership that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. 

• Elimination of Discrimination and Bias: Discrimination, harassment, and bias of any kind will not be tolerated within our organization. We are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment that respects and values the uniqueness of every individual. We will actively work to identify and address systemic barriers that perpetuate discrimination and bias.  

• Accessible and Equitable Services:  We are committed to providing accessible and equitable services to all individuals, regardless of their diverse backgrounds. We will strive to eliminate barriers to access, actively engage underserved populations, and ensure that our programs and services are culturally competent and responsive. 

• Workforce Development: We will invest in the professional development and training of our staff to enhance their understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes fostering cultural competence, promoting equitable practices, and providing tools to address unconscious biases.

• Community Engagement: We will actively engage with the community to ensure that diverse voices are heard and incorporated into our decision-making processes. We will seek input from underrepresented groups, collaborate with community organizations, and promote inclusive participation in public health initiatives.