At UPMC, our values are lived out each day in our interactions inside and outside of the organization. At the heart of these values stands Dignity & Respect – the core belief that everyone should be included in our daily conversations, valued as members of our communities, and appreciated for who they are and what they bring to our lives. Simply put, we believe that everyone deserves a seat at the table.
At UPMC, we place such an emphasis on Dignity & Respect that January is named Dignity & Respect Month, and we start each year by recognizing several members of our organization as Dignity & Respect Champions. These are individuals who go out of their way to ensure that those around them are included, whether they’re colleagues, patients, guests, visitors, or customers.
This year, our Center for Engagement and Inclusion awarded 15 Dignity & Respect Champion Awards. Here are just a handful of the stories that make our Life Changers Champions:
Mpande M.
Clinician, UPMC Passavant
Mpande is leading initiatives at the local and organization-wide level to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace. Mpande is working with her team at Passavant to develop an Inclusion Council, where they have started a discussion about microaggressions, and she has spearheaded a system mentoring workshop.
Darnell G.
Environmental Services Director, UPMC Presbyterian
Darnell implemented numerous initiatives to foster a positive workplace environment. Frontline staff in Darnell’s department grapple with many personal matters such as childcare and transportation, but Darnell is always understanding of these situations and puts forth every effort to accommodate staff and assist whenever he can, treating his staff with Dignity & Respect, in addition to understanding and compassion.
Darnell G.
Environmental Services Director, UPMC Presbyterian
Darnell implemented numerous initiatives to foster a positive workplace environment. Frontline staff in Darnell’s department grapple with many personal matters such as childcare and transportation, but Darnell is always understanding of these situations and puts forth every effort to accommodate staff and assist whenever he can, treating his staff with Dignity & Respect, in addition to understanding and compassion.
Peter N.
Senior Analyst in the UPMC Enterprise Division
Peter’s inclusivity shines on a regular basis, but most recently, his Dignity & Respect shone through when a teammate shared that they identify as non-binary. Peter proved to be an ally by regularly checking in on his teammate to see how they’re doing and provided courteous and prompt reminders when other teammates misgendered their nonbinary teammate to help facilitate an inclusive workplace. Peter exemplifies Dignity & Respect and kindly reminds his other teammates to do the same.
Garrick P.
Nurse, UPMC East
Garrick displays UPMC’s values of Dignity & Respect and Caring & Listening often, but he recently went above and beyond when a Muslim patient needed end-of-life care. Garrick, also a devout Muslim, took the time to spend with the patient’s family, understanding their cultural needs, even though the patient was not assigned to him. This example of Dignity & Respect made the family and the patient feel included and understood in an uncertain and difficult time.
Garrick P.
Nurse, UPMC East
Garrick displays UPMC’s values of Dignity & Respect and Caring & Listening often, but he recently went above and beyond when a Muslim patient needed end-of-life care. Garrick, also a devout Muslim, took the time to spend with the patient’s family, understanding their cultural needs, even though the patient was not assigned to him. This example of Dignity & Respect made the family and the patient feel included and understood in an uncertain and difficult time.
Sally K. & Charlane V.
UPMC Jameson & UPMC Horizon
Sally and Charlane are the Disability Champion Team at UPMC Jameson and UPMC Horizon. The pair put together education for their staff on how to provide accommodations to patients, visitors and guests with disabilities. They held on a two-day disability fair at their respective campuses to fast-track the education and make sure that everyone with a disability is treated with Dignity & Respect.
Sara G.
Senior Care Officer
Sara created the Professionals for Social Justice Committee, a subcommittee of the Health and Safety Committee. Sara leads PSJ and is working with the Black Scranton Project to engage in discussions on how to better work alongside the Black Community. In addition, Sara arranged training through the Luzerne County System of Care Project which focuses on Trauma-Informed Cultural Sensitivity. Sara’s commitment to social justice and a more inclusive and informed community displays her Dignity & Respect for her community and those around her.
Sara G.
Senior Care Officer
Sara created the Professionals for Social Justice Committee, a subcommittee of the Health and Safety Committee. Sara leads PSJ and is working with the Black Scranton Project to engage in discussions on how to better work alongside the Black Community. In addition, Sara arranged training through the Luzerne County System of Care Project which focuses on Trauma-Informed Cultural Sensitivity. Sara’s commitment to social justice and a more inclusive and informed community displays her Dignity & Respect for her community and those around her.
These are just seven stories of the 15 Dignity & Respect Champions that were selected from 2020. The Center for Engagement and Inclusion received dozens of other nominations with stories just as moving as these. Be a part of a team where you have an opportunity to make a positive impact on your colleagues, your patients, their families and their friends.
Be a part of an organization where you are recognized for your contributions to making Life Changing Medicine happen. Be You. Be UPMC.
