Baton Rouge health system partners for inclusive workforce
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System has partnered with local groups for Disability Employment Awareness.
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Photo: Courtesy of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System in Baton Rouge, Louisiana has teamed with local organizations to foster what it calls an inclusive workforce within the healthcare sector. The Disability Employment Awareness initiative provides individuals with developmental delays and cognitive differences with greater opportunities in the workforce, the health system said.
Franciscan Missionaries has created strategic partnerships with Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) Program for Successful Employment, University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL) Life Program, ARCO Customized Employment and GB Cooley Life Services.
WHY THIS MATTERS
These collaborations go beyond conventional employment approaches by tailoring healthcare roles to an individual's ability and fostering an environment where diverse strengths are celebrated, Franciscan Missionaries said.
The partnership is showing success, and highlights the impact of an inclusive workforce in positions from patient care to administrative functions and facility maintenance.
THE LARGER TREND
In September, the National Institutes of Health designated people with disabilities as a population with health disparities. The designation was among several steps taken by NIH to address health disparities faced by people with disabilities and ensure their representation in NIH research.
Health disparities and health inequities have long been a focus in healthcare.
The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System said it aims to redefine disability employment awareness by showcasing tangible outcomes.
Franciscan Missionaries is one of the largest healthcare systems based in Louisiana, and the provider for more than half the state's population. It is a nonprofit Catholic organization sponsored by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady.
The system's eight hospitals include St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge and Gonzales, Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center and Women's & Children's in Lafayette, Our Lady of the Angels in Bogalusa, and St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi.
ON THE RECORD
"We're dedicated to not only advocating for equal opportunities but also actively creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected," said Tina Schaffer, vice president of Talent Strategy and Chief Diversity Officer at the health system. "Our commitment to embracing diverse talents isn't just a statement; it's a testament to our belief that every individual, regardless of ability, enriches the fabric of our organization."
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org
