Sanford Health
08/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2024 12:12
Becker’s honors Natasha Smith for commitment to DEI
Becker's honors Natasha Smith for commitment to DEI
| Aug. 28, 2024 |
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Becker's Hospital Review has named Sanford Health's Natasha Smith to the 2024 edition of its "Hospital and health system diversity, equity and inclusion officers to know" list. It is the second consecutive year Smith has been chosen for this recognition.
The list honors DEI leaders who are spearheading initiatives that cultivate safe, forward-thinking health care environments where all individuals feel embraced, appreciated and secure. Their efforts support diverse populations and advance health equity within their organizations and communities. The Becker's Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations for this list and curated it to highlight the great work of DEI officers from hospitals and health systems across the nation.
Smith serves as the head of diversity, equity and inclusion at Sanford Health. She is responsible for leading DEI strategy for the nation's largest rural health care provider. Under her leadership, the DEI office has conducted over 100 inclusivity trainings at Sanford Health's four major medical centers. Trainings focus on gender affirming care, culturally relevant care, unconscious bias, microaggressions, empathy-building and psychological safety. During Smith's tenure, she has created a new DEI site with resources for employees and leaders, coordinated an annual DEI celebration throughout Sanford, and expanded benefits for same sex marriages and domestic partnerships across the Sanford footprint.
"We have a diverse group of employees throughout Sanford Health, and Natasha has been instrumental in creating a culture where every member of the Sanford Family feels welcome and valued," said Ashley Wenger-Slaba, senior vice president of employee experience, education and workforce relations at Sanford Health. "Through trainings and education along with making DEI resources available for employees, she has inspired individuals across various departments and regions of the organization to collaborate in making Sanford Health a better place to work."
The full list of individual profiles of all officers can be read here.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America's heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization serves 1.4 million patients and nearly 200,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles. The integrated health system has 45 hospitals, 211 clinic locations, more than 160 Good Samaritan Society senior living centers, 2,900 Sanford physicians and advanced practice providers, 540 active clinical trials, and nine world clinic locations around the globe. Learn more about Sanford Health's commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
About Becker's Healthcare
Becker's Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision-makers and one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry. Through print, digital and live event platforms, Becker's Healthcare equips healthcare leaders with information and forums they need to learn, exchange ideas and further conversations about the most critical issues in American healthcare today.
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