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Community and Social Impact at Care New England

Community and Social Impact at Care New England

Our Commitment

At Care New England, every patient, visitor, community member, and employee is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and beliefs, and we create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.

Guided by our values of accountability, caring, and teamwork, we build a healthcare environment that supports high-quality care, meaningful connections, and opportunities for everyone who walks through our doors.

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Our Why

The people who make up Care New England bring different experiences, perspectives, and ideas that strengthen the care we provide every day. When our workforce reflects the communities we serve, we are better prepared to understand patient needs, improve experiences, and support healthier outcomes across Rhode Island.

Our Office of Community and Social Impact help connect patients, employees, and community partners to innovative solutions, meaningful resources, and opportunities that support community wellbeing and high-quality care.

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

Areas of Focus

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

Community Engagement

We partner with local organizations, agencies, and community members to better understand the needs of the people we serve and improve access to care.

Our work includes:

  • Building relationships with community organizations and residents across Rhode Island

  • Collaborating on programs and initiatives that improve access to high-quality care

  • Bringing community voices into organizational planning and decision-making 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We create an environment where patients, visitors, and employees feel respected, supported, and valued.

Our work includes:

  • Supporting fair and inclusive policies that align with local, state, and federal laws

  • Providing education and training on topics such as nondiscrimination, cultural competence, and the social drivers of health

  • Creating spaces where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed 

Health Equity

We work to identify and reduce barriers that can affect care, access, and outcomes for different patient populations.

Our work includes:

  • Supporting patients who may experience discrimination, bias, or challenges accessing care
  • Identifying gaps in care and outcomes across patient populations
  • Using data and community insight to help reduce disparities and improve care for everyone

 

Building A Culture of Belonging

Each Care New England organization has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council that helps foster an inclusive and supportive workplace.

These councils create opportunities for employees to share ideas, raise concerns, and collaborate with leadership to improve both employee and patient experiences. Through ongoing dialogue, education, and best practices, they help drive meaningful change across our health system and the 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

Strong community partnerships help us better understand and support the people we serve. Care New England works closely with local organizations, leaders, and residents to identify health needs, share resources, and improve health outcomes across Rhode Island.

Our community engagement efforts include:

  • Building collaborative partnerships with community organizations
  • Supporting nonprofits aligned with community health priorities
  • Encouraging employees to volunteer and give back locally
  • Creating opportunities for shared learning and community input

This work helps strengthen trust, transparency, and community involvement in health and wellbeing.

Our Community in Action

Education & Training

Care New England offers training and educational opportunities across the health system that are available to all employees. These programs help teams better understand how lived experiences, identities, and perspectives can shape patient and employee experiences and influence the care we provide every day.

Many trainings are also eligible for continuing education credits.

Our Community in Action

Summit for Community Centered Care

The Summit for Community-Centered Care brings employees, community leaders, and organizations together to share ideas, build partnerships, and explore new approaches to equitable, community-centered healthcare.

Through presentations, panel discussions, networking, and shared learning opportunities, the Summit creates space for meaningful conversations that help strengthen patient care and community connection across our health system.

Our Community in Action

Health Care Equity

Care New England works to improve access to high-quality care for all patients. We recognize that barriers to healthcare can affect outcomes, experiences, and access to services.

Through initiatives such as social drivers of health screenings and referrals, disparity reduction projects, and data improvement efforts, we work to advance healthcare equity across Rhode Island and better support the needs of our communities.

Advancing Health Equity at Care New England

Care New England’s 2025 Advancing Equity Report highlights the work happening across our health system to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes.

Each organization across the system uses data to identify gaps in care, develop action plans, and measure progress. The report also highlights systemwide efforts, including screening for health-related social needs and targeted projects focused on improving equitable access and outcomes.

Health Equity Report 2025

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

 

Our Approach to Community Engagement

Care New England and its member organizations partner with local organizations, schools, agencies, and community groups throughout Rhode Island, especially in the communities where our facilities are located.

This work includes:

    • Community giving and sponsorships
    • Volunteer efforts and outreach programs
    • Educational programs and community awareness initiatives
    • Direct patient support and care programs
    • Workforce development and skills training for youth and adults

By staying connected to the communities we serve, we help strengthen access to care, support healthier lives, and create lasting community partnerships.

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.


 

2025 PBN Diversity & Inclusion Award Honoree

DiversityInclusion2025 (1)We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Providence Business News (PBN) for acknowledging Care New England's dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). During these challenging times for DEI work, we have focused on recognizing and addressing the unique needs of our patients, employees, and community members. Our DEI Advisory Councils, Health Equity Teams, and Community Engagement professionals tirelessly work to create more equitable experiences and outcomes for everyone we serve. I couldn't be prouder of our teams.
 

 

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Pictured from left to right:  Munirat Adebimpe (Butler), Dr. Michelle Rosa Martins (WIH),
Aleyra Lamarche Baez (CNE), Mercy Morales (TPC), Dr. Kevin Martins (CNE),
Dr. Isaac Tesfay, Paula Foster (VNA), Brady Dunklee (CNE), Ashley Liassidi (Kent)
DEI 4
2025 PBN DEI 3