PROFILE 2020 | 100 BEST WORKPLACES FOR DIVERSITY
CONTENT FROM ATLANTIC HEALTH SYSTEM
ONE YEAR AGO ATLANTIC HEALTH SYSTEM
(AHS)—a leading New Jersey–based health
care system that operates five medical
centers, a children’s hospital, and more
than 400 sites of care—began its search for
a chief diversity officer. The search led the
company to experienced diversity executive
Armond Kinsey.
Since his appointment in March, Kinsey
has developed a strategic plan focusing on
Patient Care, Team Member Experience,
Community, and Supplier Diversity. “It was
important that I take time to immerse myself
in the culture,” Kinsey says. “Belonging isa big part of it. We not only recruit diverse
talent, but also want people to feel valued
and know they are part of something
important.”
AHS also considers the social deter-
minants of health when creating company
and community initiatives. “If patients are
challenged with access to transportation
or food, for example, we look to partner
with the community to help close, if not
eliminate, those gaps,” Kinsey explains.
“We also look at it from a chronic disease
standpoint. For example, if we see an
increase in asthma patients coming from a
certain zip code, we ask, ‘What can we do
to address the community’s needs?’”
In addition to examining solutions for
equitable care, Kinsey has guided growth
of existing diversity initiatives, such as
a job-training partnership with Project
SEARCH designed for people with dis-
abilities. “We’ve ramped up our appren-
ticeships and intern programs to ensure
we are supporting a diverse workforce of
the future,” he explains.
The impact of investment in diversity
and inclusion initiatives across AHS is
clear. Approximately 70% of its workforce
and more than 50% of its physicians are
female. All five of its medical centers and
the children’s hospital are designated as
leaders in LGBTQ care on the Healthcare
Equality Index. And the company strives to
make its centers welcoming to veterans,
offering programs that help service mem-
bers readjust to civilian life and recruiting
veterans to work within the system.
“It’s vital that we have an inclusive
workforce that reflects the communities
we serve,” Kinsey notes.
What’s more, every success, every
challenge, and every accolade, including
being named one of Fortune’s 100 Best
Workplaces for Diversity, is a direct reflec-
tion of the rich and vibrant AHS team,
patients, and community. ■A diverse workforce supports Atlantic Health System’s
commitment to delivering high-quality care at the right time,
at the right place, and at the right cost.Building Diversity
and Inclusion in
Health Care