Marion County’s Leading Public Health Agency Revamps DEI Committee: A Step Towards Inclusive Community Engagement

The Health and Hospital Corporation (HHC) has officially renamed its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to the Cultural Excellence Committee. This change took place after a unanimous vote on June 17. HHC spokesperson Curt Brantingham emphasized that this decision is a part of an internal review focused on aligning the committee’s name with the corporation’s values and goals. He stated, “Equitable health care need not be a political issue.”

Founded in February 2022, the committee works to improve diversity within HHC, focusing on staff experiences, patient care, and community partnerships. This effort aligns with a 2020 ordinance from the City-County Council aimed at eliminating racial disparities in health care, education, and employment.

Despite political shifts and recent orders from state officials to cut DEI initiatives, HHC remains devoted to serving all residents, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. Brantingham noted that the committee will continue to tackle social determinants of health—factors like access to medical care, housing, transportation, and nutrition—that impact health outcomes.

Interestingly, national trends have begun to show a pushback against such initiatives. For example, a recent survey by the nonprofit organization *Institute for Research on Poverty* revealed that more than 60% of Americans believe DEI efforts positively affect workplace culture. However, political leaders in some states are moving to limit these programs, creating tension around the conversation of diversity and inclusion in public health.

As HHC navigates these changes, the importance of health equity becomes more crucial. Past studies have consistently shown that communities facing systemic barriers tend to experience poorer health outcomes. Hence, this new committee name may signal HHC’s intent to promote a more refined approach to health equity that remains untouched by political debates.

While the executive orders from figures like former President Trump and current Governor Mike Braun indicate a trend against DEI initiatives, HHC operates independently as it is governed by a board appointed locally, distancing it from direct state oversight. This local governance may help HHC keep its focus on community health, regardless of broader political dynamics.

Staying committed amidst these changes, the HHC’s step to rename its committee may be less about reacting to political influences and more about reaffirming its dedication to cultivating an inclusive health care system.

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