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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Care New England

Our Commitment

At Care New England, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where all patients, guests, community members, care teams, and staff are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. We recognize and celebrate the rich diversity of this community, which includes varying backgrounds, identities, life experiences, and belief systems. This commitment is guided by our system’s values of accountability, caring, and teamwork. Together, we are creating an innovative environment to provide high quality patient care and a welcoming workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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Our Why

At Care New England, we understand the immense value diversity, equity, and inclusion bring to the clinical and non-clinical spaces across our health system. By integrating our diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into our values of accountability, caring, and teamwork, we are better prepared to meet the growing and diverse needs of our Rhode Island community. Through our health equity and community engagement work, we are committed to elevating innovative healthcare solutions that center our patients and community and achieve greater health outcomes and community involvement, all with an eye toward the delivery of quality patient care and community wellbeing.

We are happy to hear from you! Contact us at diversity@carene.org


DEI_Signature_CNE Our fingerprints are something that set us apart from any other human being. By using a fingerprint to represent Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Care New England - we celebrate what makes us all unique while honoring our common humanity.

Areas of Focus

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion works to create a healthcare environment where everyone feels valued and has equitable access to care and opportunities. To do this effectively we focus on several areas of impact.

Developing and Implementing Policies
Establishing and promoting policies that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.
Training and Education
Providing training and educational programs to staff on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including cultural competence, unconscious bias, and anti-discrimination practices.
Advocacy and Support
Advocating for marginalized and underserved groups, ensuring their needs are addressed, and providing support for employees who may face discrimination or bias.
Community Engagement

Building relationships with community-based organizations and diverse community groups to understand their needs and collaborate on initiatives to improve health equity and access to care.

Strategic Planning

Developing strategies to integrate DEI principles into the organization's overall mission and goals, ensuring that diversity and inclusion are prioritized in all aspects of healthcare delivery and operations.

Health Equity

Collecting and analyzing data to identify gaps in access and care among different patient populations, with the aim of closing disparities and providing high-quality care to all patients. 

Building A Culture of Inclusion

At Care New England Health System, each of our member organizations has established Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Councils with the mission of fostering an inclusive environment where employees can openly exchange ideas and address concerns. These councils are dedicated to enhancing both employee and patient experiences by implementing comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. By engaging in thoughtful dialogue, collaborating with hospital leadership, and applying best practices, these councils aim to drive meaningful and lasting change that benefits the diverse communities we serve.

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7
DEI Councils

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200
Council Members

Join Us!

Our Community in Action

Community Engagement

At Care New England, we are committed to fostering strong community relationships. We prioritize building collaborative partnerships to enhance community health, supporting non-profits aligned with our priorities, and encouraging our team members to volunteer their skills and resources locally. Our approach to community engagement involves working closely with community members, leaders, and organizations to identify health needs, share resources, and develop strategies to improve health outcomes. This process promotes trust, transparency, and empowers communities to take an active role in their well-being.

Our Community in Action

Education & Training

Training and educational opportunities have been offered across Care New England and are accessible to all staff. This training helps us understand and recognize how our identities and lived experiences can influence our ability to deliver high-quality care to our patients and colleagues. These training courses are eligible for continuing education credits.

Our Community in Action

DEI Summit

The DEI Summit has become a cornerstone event at Care New England, offering employees the chance to engage in presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities to advance equitable healthcare. We invite community leaders and organizations to join us in discussing new opportunities for collaborative, community-centered care. The Summit creates a space for shared learning, providing all employees with the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions. We have worked diligently to establish an environment that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all our patients receive the highest quality of care with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or location.

Our Community in Action

Health Care Equity

Care New England is committed to increasing access to and delivering high-quality care for all. We recognize that systemic racism and class-based discrimination continue to limit healthcare accessibility. Through various initiatives, including Social Drivers of Health Screenings and referrals, disparity reduction projects, and data improvement initiatives, CNE is striving to enhance healthcare equity in Rhode Island.

Advancing Health Equity at Care New England

Care New England Health System’s 2024 report showcases its commitment to health equity through targeted disparity reduction projects and universal screening for health-related social needs. Each organization within the system uses data to identify disparities, implement action plans, and measure progress.

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To learn more about equity journey, read our Advancing Equity report >>

 

Our Approach to Community Engagement

Care New England Health System and its member organizations strive to partner with organizations and agencies within Rhode Island and within local communities, particularly where our facilities are located. Involvement encompasses community giving and sponsorships, direct volunteer efforts, interactive and community programs to provide direct care to patients, education and awareness, and workforce and skills development for youth and adults.

Learn More

Meet Our Chief Diversity Officer

Kevin Martins-1

Kevin K. Martins, EdD, MBA

Chief Diversity Officer of Care New England

Dr. Martins is a strategic leader with more than 15 years of progressive experience in higher education. Before joining Care New England, Martins was the associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Bryant University. At Bryant University, Martins also served as Chair of the President’s Council for Inclusive Excellence.
 
Martins earned his Bachelor's and Master of Science in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island. He earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University.