Overview
In this segment of In the Spotlight, hospital members speak with HASC about their efforts to increase procurement with diverse-owned businesses, and the best practices and lessons learned along the way.
The three hospitals are involved with the Hospital Supplier Diversity Initiative, launched by HASC and Communities Lifting Communities after AB 962 (Burke) passed in 2019. The law mandates hospitals to report yearly on their spending with minority, women, LGBT and disabled veteran–owned businesses. It also offered a real opportunity for HASC and CLC to help advance health equity and inclusion in the Southland.
The Hospital Supplier Diversity Initiative aims to support HASC hospitals in expanding their purchasing to include diverse suppliers. Guided by the Hospital Supplier Diversity Task Force, the program fosters relationships between businesses and hospital procurement staff. Increasing inclusion in the supply chain helps create jobs, enhance local economies and advance well-being for under-resourced communities.
Speakers
Andrew Kwok, MPA
Associate Director, Supply Chain Diversity
Cedars-Sinai
Matthew D. Freede, MHA
Director, Supply Chain Services and Digital Transformation
Kaiser Permanente
Mikel Whittier, DBA, MHA
Director, Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
UCLA Health
Adam Blackstone, moderator
Senior Vice President, Communications
HASC
Thank You to Our Sponsors
CLC thanks these funders for supporting this program and the Regional Hospital Supplier Diversity Initiative to improve community health and reduce health inequities.
In the Spotlight is a series profiling HASC partners who are pursuing innovative, impactful work in their communities. To learn more or suggest a profile subject, contact Adam Blackstone.