James Rouse Diversity Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24, 2004
Contact: Ellen Beth Levitt eblevitt@umm.edu 410-328-8919

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEDICAL CENTER WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE DIVERSITY

The University of Maryland Medical Center has received the 2004 James W. Rouse Diversity Award, presented by the Chesapeake Human Resources Association (CHRA), Maryland’s premier human resources professional association. The award is presented annually to recognize a CHRA member organization for its strategies to promote and advance the concept and spirit of diversity.

CHRA established the award in 1996 to honor the late James W. Rouse, whose vision of building a better way to live and work through promoting diversity was embodied in the many urban redevelopment programs for which he is nationally known.

“We’re very proud to receive this distinguished recognition of our diversity efforts,” says Alison Brown, senior vice president for Business Development and Ambulatory Services at the University of Maryland Medical Center. “Our goal is to develop a culture in which all employees feel respected for their skills, insight, and experience, so that we can capitalize on our diversity as a source of strength.”

“Over the past three years, we have implemented many strategies to advance the concept of diversity,” says Maurice McCreary, director of Customer Service at the University of Maryland Medical Center. “We strive to be an organization that respects and accepts people from different backgrounds, not only for our employees, but also for the diverse patient population that we serve.”

Brown and McCreary, co-chairs of the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Diversity Council, accepted the award at a CHRA dinner meeting.

Leaders of the University of Maryland Medical Center formed a Diversity Council three years ago to coordinate the planning, strategic thinking, resources, assessment, and measurement of progress that would make diversity part of the hospital’s day-to-day operations.

One of the first projects to be implemented was a series of respect conversations in which employee groups worked with a facilitator to raise awareness about diversity issues. The medical center has also implemented new opportunities for growth and advancement for entry-level employees, developed an international nurse recruitment program, and added culturally sensitive patient care improvements.

“I believe our diversity program is important, not just because it is the right thing to do, but also because it lays the foundation for our continuing success as a leading health care institution in Maryland,” says John W. Ashworth III, chief executive officer of the Medical Center and a founding co-chair of the Diversity Council.

“As our patient and employee populations change and become more diverse, we must ensure that we provide a welcoming environment for everybody. The Rouse Award tells us that we are heading in the right direction, and we are very proud to be honored for the efforts we have put forth so far, adds Ashworth.”

The University of Maryland Medical Center has more than 5,400 employees and more than 31,000 inpatient visits each year.

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