Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
In recognizing the inequitable foundations of our country and working to break the systems of social injustice, Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA) will work to affirm, expand, and solidify our commitment to cultural and racial equality. As a Public Behavioral Healthcare Organization, we believe that this is a necessary step as a positive role model to the community we serve by promoting a stable, healthy and safe environment for our workforce and those we serve.
SCCMHA has assessed our workforce and developed a DEI plan that is currently in implementation.
Diversity
“Diversity is about all of us, and about us having to figure out how to walk through this world together.” – Jacqueline Woodson
- Diversity involves all the ways that people are different, including the different characteristics that make one group or individual different from another.
- Diversity may also include a range of ideas, perspectives, and values.
- Diversity includes: Race and ethnicity, Sexual orientation, Socioeconomic status, Gender identity, Religion, Language, Age, Marital status, Veteran status, Mental ability, Physical ability, People with disabilities.
Equity
“The difference between equity and equality is that equality is when everyone gets the same thing, and equity is when everyone gets the things they deserve.” – DeRay Mckesson
- Equity aims to ensure fair treatment, access, equality of opportunity and advancement for everyone while also attempting to identify and remove the barriers that have prevented some groups from fully participating.
- Equity promotes justice, fairness and impartiality within the processes, procedures, and distribution of resources by systems or institutions.
- To tackle equity, people need to understand the root causes of outcome disparities in society.
Inclusion
“Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard.” Liz Fosslien
- Inclusion builds a culture where everyone feels welcome by actively inviting every person or every group to contribute and participate. This inclusive and welcoming environment supports and embraces differences and offers respect to everyone in words and actions.
- A work environment that's inclusive is supportive, respectful, and collaborative and aims to get all employees to participate and contribute.
- An inclusive work environment endeavors to remove all barriers, discrimination, and intolerance.
DEI Workgroup
SCCMHA 3-Year Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Implementation Plan
Key Events Leading to SCCMHA Organizational DEI Assessment
What our SCCMHA Board Chair is Saying...
“The SCCMHA Board of Directors supports wholeheartedly the agency plan for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) with an expectation it will become embedded into our organization and network culture. We support the SCCMHA DEI Workgroup as it works toward accomplishing the goals specified in the Plan for systemic expectations and practice change to diversifying the composition of the workforce at every level and providing for culturally informed, sensitive, and competent service delivery to consumers and their families. As human beings, we live a more robust and best life when everyone is treated with compassion and valued; therefore, codification of DEI into the policies and practices of SCCMHA is fully supported by the Board of Directors.” Tracey L. Raquepaw