Town halls move race relations conversation into action
Penn State Health and the College of Medicine will present a series of town halls during the next two weeks as part of the organization’s renewed commitment to create respectful, inclusive work and patient care environments. The town halls will include breakout sessions to give everyone a voice.
“The goal is to develop measurable strategies to improve the culture and climate for employees and patients,” said Lynette Chappell-Williams, chief diversity officer and associate dean for diversity and inclusion.
The following sessions are scheduled:
Creating Allies Against Racism: How do you support impacted communities? What do you say to someone of color to show your support? How do you learn more about racism?
- Monday, June 15, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.: pshealth.zoom.us/j/96189468343
- Wednesday, June 24, 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.: pshealth.zoom.us/j/92582836300
Eradicating Racism in our Organization: How do we individually and organizationally eradicate racism within Penn State Health and the College of Medicine’s existing workforce culture? Do our policies and practices promote racism?
- Monday, June 15, 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.: pshealth.zoom.us/j/92576471591
- Wednesday, June 24, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.: pshealth.zoom.us/j/95044547101
Creating a Culture of Inclusiveness: How do we expand our dialogues to include other populations that often experience bias, including our LGBTQ communities, those with disabilities, and those of under-represented religions? What are we learning from our experiences with the Black community that can be applied to other populations? How do we create a true culture of inclusiveness at Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine for all diverse populations?
- Monday, June 22, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.: pshealth.zoom.us/j/97295664458
- Monday, June 22, 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.: pshealth.zoom.us/j/95721632257
Caring for Minority and Underserved Patients: What can we do better to provide quality care to our racial/ethnic minority and under-represented populations, many of whom may be nervous about seeking care because of national incidents, cultural differences and other reasons?
- Tuesday, June 23, Noon to 1:15 p.m.: pshealth.zoom.us/j/99000253691
- Thursday, June 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: https://pshealth.zoom.us/j/93759618168
How to Talk to Your Kids about Racism
In response to the request for guidance on how to talk with kids about racism, the death of George Floyd and the significance of the protests, Dr. Jessica Mattingly, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral health, will conduct four sessions:
Parents of Infants and Toddlers
Thursday, June 25, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
pshealth.zoom.us/j/99034406426
Meeting ID: 990 3440 6426
Password: PSH2020
Parents of Preschool-aged Children
Friday, June 26, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
pshealth.zoom.us/j/93960248222
Meeting ID: 939 6024 8222
Password: PSH2020
Parents of School-aged Children
Monday, June 29, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
pshealth.zoom.us/j/97962455685
Meeting ID: 979 6245 5685
Password: PSH2020
Parents of Middle and High School-aged Children
Tuesday, June 30, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
pshealth.zoom.us/j/99495710183
Meeting ID: 994 9571 0183
Password: PSH2020
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