Diversity and Quality Team (DQT)

2008 Accomplishments

In 2008, DQT and DLT entered into business partnerships that would build relationships between DQT members and department leadership for the purpose of accomplishing mutual goals. Each service group identified one or two goals that they wanted to partner with DQT to accomplish over the year. DQT members would be providing consultation and support to move the goals and objectives forward. This approach represents an increased leadership role for the team and a new way of working in collaboration with department leadership.

Business partnerships with each service group frame many of the outstanding DQT accomplishments in 2008:

Integrated Clinical Services

DQT collaborated with ICS by developing a training module for clinic office staff on how to collect race, ethnicity and language data consistently and sensitivity.

Business Services

DQT collaborated with Business Services to explore opportunities to promote Minority Women & Emerging Small Business (MWESB) contracting county-wide and how this fits in with the Health Equity Initiative (HEI).

Human Resources

Through the DQT/ Human Resources Business Partnership we created a draft communication plan to be carried out to strengthen efforts at cultural competence in the Health Department. DQT also reviewed and discussed the Health Department Employee Data Snapshot to understand the importance of employing a diverse, culturally competent workforce so that we can effectively address root causes of disparity through our hiring practices.

Also, in partnership with Human Resources, DQT Interview Questions were finalized and posted on the DQT website. DQT members also gave feedback on the Health Department recruitment brochure, on HR Workforce Development & Training Newsletter, on a Survey for managers and supervisors to help identify employees or students known to have pursued career development so that HR, DQT, and Managers can create a talent pool of employees.

Health Officer

Provided input on interview questions and recruitment strategy for the Deputy Health Officer and the recruitment for Medical Director.

Community Health Promotion, Planning and Partnerships

DQT received updates and provided input on the Health Promotion Framework

Community Health Services

DQT members participated in the HEI, as facilitators and on the HEI organizing team. DQT is represented on the Countywide HEI team as well. DQT incorporated the Unnatural Causes documentary into the health equity training, and has completed 18 trainings for numerous department program teams, the Multnomah Board of County Commissioners, and outside the department at the annual meeting of ASTHO/NACCHO, the Oregon Student of Color Conference, the annual meeting of the Oregon Public Health Association, and Portland Community College.

The Diversity and Quality Team also maintained a high standard of excellence in the Health Department staff who joined the team and the distinguished staff and community members who made presentations to the team and the broader Health Department community.

Membership:

In 2008, 9 new members joined DQT: Debbie Rood, Tim Holbert, Devora Marbin, Abdisalan Mouse, Jim Rebollo, Larry Howlett, Zumana Rios, Sheri Malstrom and Darcy Miles.

Hosted Guests and Presenters:

• Lolenzo Poe, County Equity and Diversity Office, Chair’s Office
• Joy DeGruy Leary, author of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing
• Dr Athena Bettger, presentation on oral health disparities in the Latino Population
• Summer Boslaugh, Lori Lambert presentation on Oregon Health Care Quality Corporation
• Molly Chidsey, presentation on sustainability and equity
• Jill Daniels, presentation on School-Based Health Centers Program
• Susan Kirchoff, presentation on Building Better Care
• Charlene Addy McGee - presentation on African American Sexual Health Equity Program
• Marjorie McGee, presentation on understanding People with Disabilities
• Marisa McLaughlin - presentation on CHS Service Group Systems & Quality Council
• Mindi Stadtlander - presentation on ICS Quality Management
• Kim Toeves – presentation on transgender minority sexual issues
• Noelle Wiggins, presentation on the Health Promotion Framework

Updated February 19, 2010