Contributing to DEI programs and achieving healthcare equity will always be at the forefront of Houston Methodist’s vision for the future of quality medical care and accessibility for all. Thus, Houston Methodist is proud to announce that our health system allocated more than $4.8 million this year to several Houston-based nonprofit organizations as part of The Houston Methodist Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Grant Program. This grant program aims to support community nonprofits addressing the root causes of health inequities experienced by social, racial, and ethnic minorities.
Since 2021, 83 nonprofit organizations throughout Greater Houston have benefited from over $11 million in grants for DEI-focused initiatives. This year, the program will benefit more than 51,000 Houstonians, funding 24 healthy neighborhood programs, 16 educational empowerment programs, and 14 economic programs.
Houston Methodist’s grant program supplies organizations with two types of funding: The Social Equity Grant and The DEI Grant. The Social Equity Grant provides financial aid to organizations that aim to remove health equity barriers, impacting minority Houston communities with economic empowerment initiatives. The DEI Grant funding supports organizations focused on educational empowerment and building healthy neighborhoods for the greater good of the community.
Ryane Jackson, VP, Community Benefits at Houston Methodist, stated, “We know there is a direct correlation between economic stability and [public] health outcomes. Without livable wages or employer-backed insurance, access to care can be limited.” Jackson continued, “If we can help those in underserved communities obtain employment and increase [their wages], then we can provide immediate and meaningful change that can be felt for years to come.”
Capital IDEA Houston is an example of one of the nonprofits that received Social Equity Grant funding this year. Capital IDEA is an organization that helps low-wage workers find living-wage careers. The organization plans to use its grant money to support Black and Hispanic women in the healthcare profession, launching a pilot program to assist women in achieving an associate’s degree before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. See here for the complete list of Houston Methodist’s Grant Program recipients.
In addition to our DEI Grant Program, Houston Methodist has funded more than $6.8 million to nonprofits providing affordable healthcare access and mental health services to the financially disadvantaged throughout Greater Houston.
Always focused on closing the health and social disparity gaps in our city, Houston Methodist continues to challenge healthcare inequities by integrating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives in everything we do, and supporting the critical work of local, community-based organizations is a start. The Houston Methodist Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Grant Program is one step toward significant progress in healthcare accessibility to Houstonians of all races, backgrounds, ethnicities, communities, and circumstances.
Are you looking to work in an environment that values DEI initiatives and takes action toward achieving healthcare equity? Learn more about the array of opportunities available at Houston Methodist today.
