Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
VAPAA strongly supports Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and commits to promoting and fostering a culture based on the DEI principles. As PAs, we all have a role in promoting DEI across our profession. The first step is educating ourselves. Below are some educational resources.
Did you know that VAPAA has a DEI Committee?
Committee Mission Statement: Advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion among the PA profession to reflect the communities we serve and enhance the quality of care delivered to our Veterans.
Vision Statement: Championing a culture of inclusion, respect, and equity where every PA feels valued, empowered, and equipped to provide the highest level of care to our Veterans, regardless of their background or identity.
What is the Difference in Diversity vs. Equity vs. Inclusion?
Diversity is the differences across race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, (dis)ability, religion, political view, education, socio-economic background, and/or veteran status.
Equity is equal opportunity and fair distribution of resources for PAs and the Veteran patients they serve. Also for them to achieve their full potential in all aspects of health and well-being
Inclusion is the practice involving PAs and Veteran patients from all backgrounds and making them feel welcomed and respected.
VAMC Spotlight For this quarter, we would like to highlight the Madison VAMC. These are a few things they have done just this year DEI-wise: Special Emphasis Programs provided recognition for many special recognition months through cultural activities, presentations, and events, such as Our Town Everywhere and "We Are Madison - Stories of Immigration & Belonging". Installation of signs with Madison VA’s Belonging Statement in 21 locations on the main campus as well as at every CBOC and other leased sites. The project “Ensuring Veteran Food Security Among Hospitalized Veterans” provided much needed relief and nutrition to Veterans who were discharging to home after a hospital stay and had screened positive for food insecurity. Nutrition and Food Service collaboration to provide special observance meals including Native American Heritage, German American Heritage, Black History Month, Anti-Racism Action Month, and many more! Continued multiple Health Equity initiatives (Food & Housing Security, LGBTQ+, Pharmacoequity, Rural, Women’s Health, Tribal and Trauma-Informed Care). Attained LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer designation for the Healthcare Equality Index from the Human Right Campaign in 2024. Inducted World War II nurse and Bronze Star recipient Lt. Marcia Gates into the Hall of Heroes on Women Veterans Recognition Day as the first woman Veteran honoree. | Education/CME/Resources Think Culture (HHS.gov): free AAPA category 1 CMEs, offered by the Office of Minority Health and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and to help health care professionals with cultural competence in health care. It will also promote self-awareness about attitudes, beliefs, biases, and behaviors that may influence clinical care. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resource Center: AAPA category 1 CME activities, free for AAPA members Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training - Office of Resolution Management, Diversity & Inclusion (ORMDI) (va.gov): list of learning activities for VA employees in TMS (Talented Management System). Health Equity Guiding Principles for Inclusive Communication | Gateway to Health Communication | CDC Minority Health and Health Equity - CDC Ending Structural Racism | National Institutes of Health (NIH) Diversity Toolkit: A Guide to Discussing Identity, Power and Privilege | MSW@USC: designed for anyone who feels there is a lack of productive discourse around issues of diversity and the role of identity in social relationships, both on a micro (individual) and macro (communal) level. The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Healthcare Workforce - PMC (nih.gov) Stanford, Fatima Cody. "The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Healthcare Workforce." J Natl Med Assoc. 2020 Jun;112(3):247-249. Inclusive Language Guidelines (apa.org): "words matter. The words we use are key to creating psychologically safe, inclusive, respectful and welcoming environments." |
