Office for Health Equity and Inclusion
Working Toward Inclusion, Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity

The Office for Health Equity and Inclusion develops mechanisms for inclusion, diversity and cultural sensitivity among faculty, students and staff at Michigan Medicine. OHEI advances clinical care for under-served patient populations through research and education.

 Diverse group of people wearing blue shirts shown from behind with arms around each other
Our Mission

To honor the wellbeing, individuality and dignity of all who work, learn and heal at Michigan Medicine

To champion diversity and inclusion for our patients, our community and society

To diversify the next generation of physicians, nurses, health professionals and scientists

Man with glasses showing leg-bone function to group of Black boys and young men wearing masks and maize t-shirts with text: Youth Summit at the Big House
Female and male black doctors laughing with seated elderly white female patient
Our Vision

To create a world where every person feels valued and can thrive

Meet the OHEI Team

The faculty and staff at OHEI are here to help you navigate diversity, equity, and inclusion at Michigan Medicine. We are here to provide support to the people we serve: our colleagues, patients we care for, and learners who entrust their education to us.

Visit the OHEI Team page to learn more.

Collage of the diverse faces of OHEI at Michigan Medicine staff
Upcoming DEI Events
Awareness and Action- Addressing Housing Insecurity to Reduce Health Disparities
Join us for a powerful discussion exploring critical link between housing insecurity and healthcare outcomes. This event brings together panelists from community organizations, academia and clinical spaces who will unpack tangible actions for health care organizations and workers.
Intersectional Insights: Exploring Perinatal Mental Health Disparities Across Race/Ethnicity and Disability
In this AHEAD-DC RRTC event, Brandie Bentley, PhD, MSW, shares her latest research exploring perinatal mental health disparities across race/ethnicity and disability. She invites the audience to join an engaging discussion of the study findings and approaches for developing inclusive interventions and policies that promote greater equity in perinatal mental health care.
Musculoskeletal Health Considerations for Transgender and Gender Diverse Patients
This presentation, developed in collaboration with experts from PrideOrtho and Fenway Health, will provide a general overview of MSK-health considerations for Transgender and Gender Diverse patients. Topics covered will include bone health, tendon/ligament injury risk and other policy-related considerations.
Curtis Center Art for Equity Contest: What does Health Equity mean to Future Leaders?
The Curtis Center will be hosting a creative Art for Equity (video, poems, audio, photobook, etc.,) contest for undergraduate students to showcase what health equity means to them. Our event will be an awards ceremony to announce the top 3 winners (with a prize), scored based on a predetermined criteria. Winners will receive a cash prize.
Zero Hunger Food Distribution
This initiative between Kroger's Zero Hunger Zero Waste Youth Advisory Council Member and Maggie's Marketplace aims to not only provide food to individuals in need but also create a supportive environment for community members. In addition to the food distribution, social workers will be present to connect individuals with various community resources.
Environmental Justice Impact on Health Disparities
Fundamental parts of human health and well-being include clean air, clean and adequate water, and protection from chemicals. Yet, many in our community are impacted by a lack of these resources, leading to increased health risks. Join us for an impactful session delving into the critical intersection of environmental justice and healthcare outcomes.
Take a Nature Break with Nature Rx- Morning Event
Take a break and learn more about the benefits of nature for well-being and healing through Michigan’s own Nature Rx program! Meet at one of two hospital locations, then navigate to the Arb–or meet at the Arb. After a mini-session on what Nature Rx is and how to navigate the app, we will head outside. Participants will have an opportunity to practice activities to direct focus to nature and experience its benefits.
Program for Equity in Adolescent and Child Health (PEACH) work-in-progress session
Maria Shakour Skoczylas, MD, a clinical assistant professor in Pediatrics-Hospitalists, will present on her project exploring whether newborns are equitably drug screened.
Take a Nature Break with Nature Rx- Afternoon Event
Take a break and learn more about the benefits of nature for well-being and healing through Michigan’s own Nature Rx program! Meet at one of two hospital locations, then navigate to the Arb–or meet at the Arb. After a mini-session on what Nature Rx is and how to navigate the app, we will head outside. Participants will have an opportunity to practice activities to direct focus to nature and experience its benefits.