Advancing Supplier Diversity

Many organizations and corporations are committed to advancing supplier diversity, where goods and services are purchased from suppliers owned by traditionally excluded or under-represented groups. This is no exception at Summa Health.??

As part of Summa’s commitment to improving the health and economic well-being of the communities we serve, supplier diversity includes proactively supporting community vendors and helping to sustain those small businesses and those owned by traditionally excluded groups. Having diverse suppliers also helps us promote innovation, build and retain relationships and highlight Summa’s interest in our community’s economic growth.?

Summa Health’s supplier diversity program focuses on businesses having equal access to compete for opportunities and promotes equity among those who want to do business with us. The procurement process is accessible and fair to all suppliers based on their ability to meet Summa’s performance, price and quality requirements. We have a vendor qualification form for businesses and organizations to complete to be included in our list of diverse suppliers.??

The vendor adds their business description that includes the following categories:??

• LGBTQ+ - owned
• Woman-owned
• Minority-owned
• Service-disabled veteran-owned
• Small business

Some vendors may be a combination of the above categories.??

To spread the word about our supplier diversity program, Summa participates in several community initiatives:??

Greater Summit Business Ultimate Corporate Matchmaker?

At this event, the supply chain team matches vendors with departments within the health system that could lead to a connection, such as food and nutrition and professional services.??

Greater Summit Business Conference & Expo?

Summa participates in a panel at this to share what it looks like to become a vendor and the upcoming opportunities for collaboration.?

Healthcare Supplier Diversity Networking Event?

This event is an opportunity for those community vendors to learn how to do business with a health system and about upcoming projects.?

Hospital departments that will be represented include:?

• Information Technology?
• Food and Nutrition?
• Environmental Services?
• Construction?

Supplier diversity remains a top priority at Summa Health and the supply chain team. We continuously look for ways to improve the work we do. As part of this, we started a supply chain subcommittee of the Diversity Action Council, where we brainstorm ideas on engaging diverse suppliers and share event metrics to analyze our results.??

We know the importance of diversifying our suppliers and vendors, and it is wonderful to see that work coming to fruition.??

Author: Jackie Goins,?Strategic Sourcing Specialist?