Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force

NEHA is Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Recognizing that discrimination and limited access to health care result in poor health outcomes, NEHA is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in policies, practices and programs.

To highlight our commitment to supporting and encouraging diversity, equity and inclusion as an organization, creating a more inclusive and diverse community was listed as one of eight strategic priorities and goals in NEHA’s Strategic Plan.

Creating a DEI Task Force

To support this goal, the NEHA Board of Directors launched the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force in the fall of 2020. The DEI TF has two key goals:

  • Identify, engage and ultimately connect historically underrepresented and underserved individuals with inherited bleeding disorders and those in their networks to NEHA’s education, advocacy and support programming across New England
  • Ensure that NEHA leadership reflects the diversity of the inherited bleeding disorders community in all six New England states

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

The DEI TF’s first task was to create the following statement on diversity, equity and inclusion to help guide our organization and community on these principles. The statement was included in NEHA’s Strategic Plan, and reads:

“NEHA stands with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in declaring racism as a serious public health threat and denounces all forms of discrimination and intolerance. Recognizing that taking a stand is not enough, we are on a path of exploration and community engagement to ensure that the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion are reflected in all NEHA policies, practices, and programs. We believe this is the best way to serve everyone in the inherited bleeding disorders community, including families and caregivers, throughout New England. We strive to be an organization that seeks equity and works to improve the health outcomes of all people regardless of bleeding disorder diagnosis, health status, disability status, age, race, ethnicity, color, country of origin, immigration status, primary language, religious or spiritual belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, veteran status, or place of residence.”

Ongoing Project: Reaching Underserved Patients

As the DEI TF continues working to create a more inclusive and diverse community, they will expand their efforts to engage in productive collaborations by working with regional hemophilia treatment centers (HTC), non-HTC hematologists and national bleeding disorders organizations to identify underserved patients throughout all six New England states. As these patients begin to be identified and engaged with, the DEI TF will work to ensure that NEHA’s education, advocacy and support approaches are representative and inclusive of all patients and families that NEHA serves.

Share An Idea or Get Involved

The DEI TF is always looking for feedback and ideas. Please contact [email protected] to share your thoughts. If you are interested in bringing your perspective to the DEI TF by serving as a member, please also email [email protected] for more information.