Present

Current Work

There is no finish line for DEI work. As we look to the near future, we are excited to continue this critical work by:

• Streamlining the systemwide process for bias reporting, including formalizing how we review data to determine trends, areas of focus, resource development and training
• Further expanding the NM Champion Network to include additional chapters
• Continuing to create additional diversity and inclusion curricula, trainings and resources

2022

NM Champion Network expansion

We expanded the NM Champion Network by launching two additional chapters: Asian American and Pacific Islander and Latinx.

2022

Implicit bias training for leaders

We implemented implicit bias training requirements for all new leaders.

2021

DEI trainings and resources

We developed and instituted diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) trainings and resources for the health system, including:

• Toolkits for leaders and staff on topics such as racial equity, inclusive recruitment and equitable hiring
• Implicit bias trainings for leaders and staff
• More than 150+ additional DEI e-learning modules for leaders

2021

Policy to address patient bias toward staff

We developed and launched a systemwide policy addressing patient bias towards staff, prohibiting offensive or inappropriate requests, actions, comments and biased behavior from patients or visitors toward members of the workforce.

2020

NM Champion Network

We created the NM Champion Network, a network of employee resource groups for members and allies of underrepresented communities. The workforce-led network promotes diversity, equity and inclusion, and engenders a sense of community and belonging at Northwestern Medicine.

Inaugural chapters:

• African Descendants
• Disability
• LGBTQ

2020

SOGI data and disability accommodations updates to electronic medical records

We enhanced our electronic medical record system to enable staff to document sexual orientation, gender identity and disability accommodation needs, leading to a more inclusive and equitable patient care experience.

2020

"Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion"

We are recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” by Disability Equality Index (DEI).

2019

40th Anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award

We celebrated the 40th anniversary of our Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, which honors members of our workforce for their humanitarian efforts.

2019

50th Annual Chicago Pride Parade

We partnered with Northwestern University to participate in the 50th Annual Chicago Pride Parade.

2018

Northwestern Medicine Inclusion Council

We launched the Northwestern Medicine Inclusion Council, a collaborative group of leaders from across the health system that oversees efforts to advance a culture of inclusion and belonging, and bring employee voices to the forefront.

2017

Disability sensitivity training

We developed a systemwide training for disability sensitivity.

2016

Launch of nm.org

We launched our new website (www.nm.org) with enhanced web standards to provide equitable access to health information.

2016

"LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader"

We were first recognized as an “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” in the Healthcare Equality Index from the Human Rights Campaign.

2015

Disability inclusion needs assessment and audit

We conducted a disability inclusion needs assessment and audit to inform how we can better serve our staff and patients who have disabilities.

2014

Project SEARCH

We launched Project SEARCH, a program that prepares young people who have significant physical and intellectual disabilities for success in the workplace.