Celebrating Juneteenth

As the month of June unfolds, we have a valuable opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of diversity that enriches our organization. Today, Juneteenth commemorates a date that has long been revered within African American communities as a momentous milestone, signifying the end of slavery in the United States. Across the nation,?events honoring African American accomplishments and culture?serve as reminders of the resilience and achievements of African Americans throughout our history.

In 1837,?James McCune Smith, MD, shattered barriers as the first African American to earn a medical degree, earning his degree at the University of Glasgow Medical School as no U.S. medical schools would admit him. Pioneering a path for future generations, he was the first African American to publish peer-reviewed articles in medical journals. He fearlessly challenged the contemptible notions of black inferiority through thought-provoking essays and lectures while envisioning the transformative influence African Americans would have on the?future.

At Stony Brook Medicine, we stand on the shoulders of Dr.?Smith and others like him who have shattered barriers in the pursuit of equality and justice. As an academic health center, we are firmly committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all and celebrating our diversity. We are committed to continuously improving and ensuring equitable access to healthcare and healthcare education.?

Our Health Equity and Diversity Steering Committee, co-chaired by Judi Brown Clarke, PhD, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer, and Nicole Rossol, Chief Patient Experience Officer, includes stakeholders from across the enterprise from diverse backgrounds and expertise to help lead this work.?

At its core, the committee is looking into ways to address a wide range of health equity concerns, including how to provide equitable care to those without the ability or infrastructure to access care; how we can overcome language and cultural barriers; and how we may be able to address some of the critical social determinants of health such as food insecurity, transportation, substance abuse and environmental impacts to care and access.

For more information and details about the work of this committee, please visit the?Health Equity website.

Through your unwavering efforts, we continue to progress in creating an environment that respects and values diversity and equitable access to care. Let us continue to celebrate our progress and use this occasion to inspire us in our ongoing efforts to create a stronger, more diverse and more vibrant community.?