Respect and inclusion are foundational to colleague and patient experiences at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). By valuing differences and honoring contributions of all members of our communities, we provide high-quality care for patients and a great place to work for all.

LVHN is committed to sustaining an inclusive environment where everyone’s identities are respected and all colleagues feel valued and part of the LVHN community. Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at LVHN aim to:

  • Prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across LVHN.
  • Increase the proportion of LVHN colleagues, leaders and trustees from underrepresented groups.
  • Commit organizational resources and structures to execute DEI goals.
  • Include DEI content and perspectives in all LVHN initiatives and communication.

Programs and initiatives

  • Actions Against Racism and Advancing Equity Council. LVHN’s Actions Against Racism and Advancing Equity (AARAE) Council was formed by LVHN President and CEO Brian A. Nester, DO, MBA, in September 2020 to identify and recommend strategies to improve and sustain inclusion and equity for all LVHN colleagues. The AARAE Council's work is based on three pillars – listening, learning and action – to further organizational awareness and engagement on racial inequality.
  • LGBTQ+ Patient and Family Care Experience Project Team. The LGBTQ+ Patient and Family Care Experience Project team plans, facilitates and advocates for high-quality, patient-centered, equitable care for patients who identify as LGBTQ+ and their families through an inclusive environment across LVHN.
  • The Multicultural Professional Development Group. The Multicultural Professional Development Group promotes diversity and fosters a culture of inclusivity that supports physicians, Advanced Practice Clinicians, trainees, and medical students who are underrepresented in medicine (URM) through career development, mentorship, social engagement, and community outreach.
  • Colleague Voice Listening Sessions. LVHN regularly hosts sessions for colleagues to share their experiences and perspectives on equity at LVHN. These sessions inform LVHN’s AARAE Council about areas of opportunity for education, communication, policy development and more.
  • Honoring cultures through celebrations and observances. Throughout the year, LVHN recognizes cultural observations and celebrations, bringing awareness to the contributions of our diverse community and providing education to help all colleagues provide culturally sensitive care for all.

Awards and recognition

  • Healthcare Equality Index. Four LVHN hospital campuses achieved “Leader” designation on the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Index by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Read more about how our hospitals earned the “LGBTQ+ Leader” recognition.
  • Great Place to Work™ Certified. Using validated employee feedback gathered with Great Place to Work’s rigorous methodology, certification confirms that seven out of 10 employees have a consistently positive experience at LVHN. Read more about LVHN’s Great Place to Work® recognition.
  • 2022 Community Leadership Award – Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center. LVHN is honored to be a recipient of a 2022 Community Leadership Award from Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center.

LVHN Respect and Inclusion Statement

We deliberately and respectfully promote and value talents and perspectives of our workforce. We hold all colleagues accountable to actively respect and appreciate all aspects that differentiate one individual from another. This inclusive strategy is critical in our ability to deliver culturally responsive services, improve health care quality and equitable outcomes, foster inclusive workplace environments and increase effectiveness of education and research that enhances health status and quality of life.