About LewisGale Hospital Alleghany

We believe excellence in healthcare starts with a foundation of inclusion, compassion and respect for our patients and each other. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion across all areas of our organization and do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, disability, race, color, ancestry, citizenship, religion, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, payment source or ability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

Our goals and strategies focus on five key pillars:

Patients Advancing health equity as a system priority and reinforcing our commitment to eliminate health disparities; Ensuring access to services for patients who have limited English proficiency, are deaf or hard of hearing, are blind or have low vision, or have service animal.

Colleagues Fostering an engaged and inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive; Strengthening the diversity of our talent pipeline at all levels; Accelerating the advancement of people of color and women in leadership; Expanding and scaling educational programming and resources.

Suppliers Promoting the inclusion of diverse businesses within our supplier base and ensuring contracted suppliers reflect the communities we serve; Engaging a diverse range of small businesses to meet subcontractor needs for capital projects.

Boards Ensuring that boards reflect our values in the communities we serve; Seeking greater diversity in board composition.

Community Cultivating and sustaining community partnerships that deepen our understanding and broaden our reach; Building healthier communities by addressing root causes of health inequities and supporting social justice.

Why Does Diversity in Healthcare Matter?

• Diversity fosters a more qualified, engaged, creative and innovative workforce.
• Better positions us to serve with all populations in our community and region.
• Disparities in health and healthcare limit continued improvement in overall quality of care and population health and result in unnecessary costs.
• Diversity enhances the intellectual, emotional, economic, moral and spiritual life of a community.
• Strengthening Our Commitment

Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity Council

Our Division Diversity, Equity and Inclusion councils support deployment of key DEI strategies and programs at a local level. These councils are comprised of division leaders and facility representatives who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Colleague Networks

In 2021, we began the process of launching division-wide Colleague Networks. These are voluntary, colleague-led groups that convene around a shared commonality or experience to foster an inclusive and diverse workplace. Shared commonalities and experiences may include race, ethnicity, gender, generation, veteran status, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other attributes and topics.

These groups will provide our colleagues with a safe space to discuss challenges and opportunities and will create value for the organization in the areas of community, recruiting, professional development, and innovation.