Northwell Health has been rated the No. 1 health system for diversity in the United States for the third consecutive year, according to the latest DiversityInc ranking of Top Hospitals and Health Systems.
New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer made the list for the 10th straight year, where it remained in the top spot of the 2022 DiversityInc rankings for Hospitals and Health Systems. Northwell also earned recognition from DiversityInc in three other categories: Top Companies for Veterans, Top Companies for Employee Resource Group and Top Companies for Sponsorship.
“I’m proud of our leadership and action when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health. “Northwell serves one of the most diverse regions in the world and we want to be responsive to our communities and have our workforce reflect these communities.”
More than 1,800 participating companies with at least 750 employees were graded based on responses to 200 questions that highlighted everything from the representation of women in management to blacks and Hispanics getting promotions into management as well as leadership accountability when it comes to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. DiversityInc also examined workplace practices such as workforce development and engagement, LGBTQ+ inclusion, supplier diversity and philanthropy and engagement with underrepresented groups.
Northwell was recognized nationally for its commitment to integrating the tenets of DEI into its health care delivery strategy with a focus on enhancing the health and wellness needs of underserved communities and the diverse patients it serves. The COVID-19 pandemic made these needs more apparent and Northwell responded with testing and vaccination programs aimed at effectively delivering care to the underserved.
“Northwell’s story is one of building and sustaining a robust, empowered and inclusive workforce by supporting all of our team members at work and at home and welcoming more diverse participation at every level of the organization,” said Maxine Carrington, Northwell’s senior vice president and chief people officer. “We’re not only engaging the power of diversity to change the way we do business, but working in partnership with our communities has empowered a radical rethink of the scope of public health and health inequities.”
DiversityInc’s rankings are the latest in a string of accomplishments for the health system. Northwell was recognized as a national leader in LGBTQ+ inclusiveness by the 2022 Healthcare Equality Index. Northwell was named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2022 by Ethisphere – and the only heath system from New York State. And last month, Northwell was named to Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the third consecutive year.
“Northwell’s journey to diversity, inclusion and health equity has been intentional with formalized strategies, dedicated resources and the implementation of an expanded health care delivery model which fosters a partnership with our communities to provide culturally customized care.” said Dr. Jennifer H. Mieres, senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer at Northwell. “Recognition and honors such as DiversityInc validate our commitment, beliefs and programs to advance health equity.”
