Pennsylvania Hospital is dedicated to creating a workforce reflective of our diverse patient population, as well as providing all patients with excellent, culturally sensitive care. PAH’s Cultural & Community Awareness Council (CCAC) works tirelessly throughout the year to provide staff with resources and experiences that broaden cultural awareness, promote inclusion, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Last month, the council hosted their Second Annual Diversity Day, which aims to celebrate racial, ethnic, spiritual, gender, sexuality, and other differences in the PAH community through education and entertainment.
“Our goal was to make this year’s event even bigger and better than last time, which was no small task!” said Michael Altman, a Nursing Education coordinator and CCAC member. “This year, we invited not only staff members to participate and attend, but members of the local community as well. Celebrating diversity and inclusion is vital, particularly important at this moment in time, and we were very happy with the turnout.”
Exciting raffle baskets abounded, and the cafeteria was overflowing with delicious international dishes — plus free ice cream! A Jeopardy! game educated attendees about local health disparities and community resources, while departments and local community groups like the Humane Society and Philly Pride staffed information tables. Staff and visitors also had the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment from some of Penn’s talented staff members, including a jazz pianist and a show-stopping Aztec dance group.
Shirley Puhiera, BSN, RN-BC, a clinical nurse II in the Cardiac Cath Lab and CCAC member who took the opportunity to don a traditional Nicaraguan dress, noted, “So many people were hugely instrumental in making this such a success.” The council is very grateful for everyone who supported the event by attending, donating their talents, or assisting with the meticulous planning, including CCAC executive sponsor and nurse manager Bonita Ball, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CCRN-K, and CCAC chair and Patient Services Coordinator for Radiation Oncology Justin Garrison.
Hosting events like Diversity Day and staff trainings are just a few ways that PAH staff support cultural competence and community engagement. Working to understand how diverse beliefs inform patients’ values and health goals, and utilizing tools like MARTTI translator units to overcome language barriers also help PAH staff members are able to more respectfully and compassionately communicate and engage with patients and their families, ensure patient safety and satisfaction, and establish strong community partnerships.
The CCAC team is looking forward to continuing the trend of one-upping themselves next year. Until then, stay tuned for more exciting diversity and outreach projects coming up!