• Pay My Bill
  • Careers
  • Donate
  • My Health Record
  • +1 (401) 227-3669

Site Search

Community and Social Impact at Care New England

Community and Social Impact at Care New England

Our Commitment

At Care New England, we remain committed to fostering an environment where all patients, guests, community members, care teams, and staff are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. We recognize and celebrate the varying backgrounds, identities, life experiences, and belief systems of the communities we serve. 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 every individual and our collective goals.

AdobeStock_176330665

Our Why

At Care New England, we understand the immense value diverse experiences and perspectives bring to the clinical and non-clinical spaces across our health system. By having a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and leaning into our values of accountability, caring, and teamwork, we are better prepared to meet the needs of our Rhode Island community. Our office of Community and Social impact is 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

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
  • Building relationships with community-based organizations and residents to understand their needs and collaborate on initiatives that improve access to high-quality care.
  • Developing strategies to incorporate community needs into organizational decision-making.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Promoting policies that ensure fairness and align with local, state, and federal law.
  • Providing training and education on topics such as nondiscrimination, cultural competence, and the social drivers of health and more.
Health Equity
  • Advocating for underserved groups, ensuring their needs are met, and providing support for patients who may experience discrimination or bias.
  • Identifying gaps in access and outcomes among patient populations to close disparities and provide high-quality care to all.

Building A Culture of Belonging

At Care New England Health System, each of our member organizations has established Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory 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 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.

CouncilsIcon-2

7
DEI Councils

MembersIcon

 

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

Summit for Community Centered Care

The Summit for Community Centered Care 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.

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 there are many barriers that 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.

4-14_AdvancingExcellence in Equity_DigitalBookCover_YD

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.