Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Driving a culture of acceptance, inclusion, mutual trust and respect for IU Health team members and the communities we serve

patients talking with doctor

At IU Health, we are committed to advancing a culture where all people can come together while we work to equitably improve the health of all Hoosiers.

Working together, our health system will continue to foster an environment in which differences are respected and valued.

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitments

Interpersonal

Ensuring trust and equity in our care

We commit to enhancing a culture of inclusion that seeks, welcomes and values all people. We are addressing and reducing discrimination and bias among team members, patients and guests.

Commitment in action:

Development

Diversity, equity and inclusion curriculum

Heritage observances

Institutional

Fostering a diverse workforce and inclusive culture

We are transforming our organization through an active review of policies, actions and procedures, and promoting a diverse, equitable and anti-discriminatory organization.

Commitment in action:

New diversity, equity and inclusion roles

Employee Resource Groups

Workforce equity

Societal

Advancing equity in the communities we serve

We commit to building meaningful and sustained partnerships that promote healthcare equity, reduce healthcare disparities, improve social factors and build inclusive communities.

Commitment in action:

Giving

Partnerships

Supplier Diversity

Our Community Agreement: An Inclusive Environment For All

At IU Health, we believe all people deserve to be valued, accepted, and treated with dignity and respect. To provide more positive experiences, we ask all Hoosiers – patients, team members, visitors and vendors – to review and adhere to our Community Agreement.

View Community Agreement

IU Health serves a diverse patient population—and research shows that prioritizing workforce diversity at all levels of an organization:

  • It supports higher racial and ethnic minority trust and patient choice and satisfaction
  • It reduces disparities within health care settings
  • It contributes to overall better health outcomes

One of IU Health’s goals is for its 36,000+ team members to be representative of the Indiana marketplace. View our demographic data (PDF).

pediatric doctor checking heart rate

Where We Are Currently in Our D&I Journey

IU Health serves a diverse patient population—and research shows that prioritizing workforce diversity at all levels of an organization:

  • It supports higher racial and ethnic minority trust and patient choice and satisfaction
  • It reduces disparities within health care settings
  • It contributes to overall better health outcomes

One of IU Health’s goals is for its 36,000+ team members to be representative of the Indiana marketplace. View our demographic data (PDF).

pediatric doctor checking heart rate

Our Path Forward

With a continued commitment and a bold approach to diversity, equity and inclusion, we are the place where many voices and perspectives come together to improve the health of our communities today and in the future.

This promise requires us to be among the very best at what we do and to hold ourselves accountable. Here's how:

  • Expand feedback methods to accurately reflect the diverse voices of our patients and families
  • Ensure IU Health is an LGBTQ+ friendly environment for patients and team members
  • Design a talent acquisition process that improves our ability to attract racial and ethnic minority candidates

Coming Together for a Common Goal

Affinity groups at IU Health are an excellent way to connect with team members from diverse backgrounds, learn from one another and grow both personally and professionally. These team member- driven meetings are an opportunity for our team members to:

  • Network with colleagues
  • Exchange ideas
  • Establish visibility
  • Grow professionally and enhance the organization

IU Health affinity groups include:

  • IU Health Pride: The IU Health Statewide Pride Affinity group provides a forum for LGBTQ+ individuals, along with allies, to come together to build support, provide employee advocacy, and develop organizational culture through participation in community programs and Pride events.
  • Minority Professionals: The IU Health Minority Affinity group provides a space for ethnic minority team members to connect and share experiences. The minority affinity group supports diversity & inclusion efforts systemwide and creates safe spaces for dialogue among team members from all backgrounds. They host professional development forums, conduct strategic planning processes and host public events inviting the broader IU Health community to build cross-cultural networks. Together the group builds community; learns from one another and creates a supportive network through diverse lenses.
  • Veterans and Military Services: The Veterans and Military Services affinity group serves as a way for military and veteran team members, and their supporters, in the IU Health system to use their voice, unique skills and expertise they bring to the organization in a meaningful way. The group provides opportunities to participate in professional and leadership development and celebrates the contributions of veterans and team members in the military services to IU Health’s culture.
  • Women’s INitiative: The IU Health Women's INitiative (WIN) affinity group is a community that supports and advocates for women at IU Health. Their mission is to offer inspiration throughout the organization by raising the voice and visibility of women, the unique issues they face and how they are making a difference; educate and provide opportunities for women to develop leadership skills; influence/advocate for women via a strong and broad network of mentors and sponsors focused on creating a diverse organization; and expand gender partnerships, conversations, and collaborations.
  • Young Professionals: Young Professionals of IU Health provides opportunities for young professionals to connect and grow and is dedicated to supporting the personal and professional development of team members; inspiring and cultivating the next generation of IU Health leaders; fostering a community of collaboration through service, education and other charitable activities; providing young professionals with tools to achieve physical, mental, emotional and financial wellness; and assisting in improving employee recruitment, engagement and retention, among other initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusion Across the Health System

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion partners with teams across the organization, such as patient experience, community outreach and design and construction, to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion is imbedded where necessary. We especially work closely with the Office of Health Equity Research & Outreach to ensure clinical care is seen through the lens of its diverse patients and communities.

three iu health rns at computer

Standing With Our Colleagues To Create Change

Racism a Public Health Crisis

IU Health pledges to stand against injustice. We will actively seek ways to eliminate the systemic racism that disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities by improving access to care and eliminating racial biases that contribute to poor health outcomes.

Joint Statement from Three Hospitals

Indy Racial Equity Pledge

Central Indiana’s leading corporate and civic organizations announced the Indy Racial Equity Pledge, which is aimed at taking action for racial justice, and holding everyone accountable in ensuring racial equity in our workplace and the community. We hope more organizations join us in this important effort.

View Full Details

Business Equity for Indy

IU Health is an active contributor to the Business Equity for Indy (BEI) a joint effort of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, the Indy Chamber, in collaboration with the Indianapolis Urban League to grow a more inclusive business climate and build greater equity and economic opportunity for the Indy region’s residents of color.

View Full Details

Video: Treating Racism as a Public Health Crisis

IU Health President and CEO Dennis Murphy joined CEOs from local healthcare systems in an online forum to report on the progress they’ve made toward to addressing healthcare disparities and providing more equitable care for all.

View Forum Recording