About Cincinnati Children's | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe we are “Better Together”

Championing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and living it out every day is fundamental to who we are at Cincinnati Children’s. More importantly, it’s who we aspire to be—a place where everyone feels welcome, safe, valued and respected.

Achieving that goal is a personal and institutional journey that takes time and consistent attention. We’re confident we’re making measurable, sustainable and truly human progress to become that place of safety and respect.

A unified, unwavering focus on DEI will strengthen our care, research and educational mission and will enhance our culture to make it a better workplace for all. This focus on DEI will inspire us to listen, learn and understand each other. It will make us better together.

Our First DEI Annual Report

The front cover of Cincinnati Children's first DEI annual report.

At Cincinnati Children's, we've been working hard toward making our organization a more diverse and inclusive place. That work is reflected in our first ever Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Annual Report.

Titled Our Journey in Action, it highlights the positive impact that our DEI efforts have had on our organization as well as the community, and where we are headed next.

Achieving our DEI goals is key to helping us achieve our broader goals--improving child health, eliminating health care inequities, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our employees.

DEI Five-year Strategic Plan

Cover photo of the DEI Strategic Plan.

Our five-year strategic plan embeds DEI in every part of our work and is based on research, leadership involvement and best practices. The plan is designed to elevate our responsibilities, combine our efforts and embed diversity, equity and inclusion in every aspect of our work.

By integrating the DEI programs with the hospital’s vision, mission, operations and strategies, we can provide positive employee experiences. Even more vital, together as one Cincinnati Children’s we can provide exceptional patient care that improves the health of children from our local and global communities.

The CEO Personal Commitment

Image of the CEO EEO policy statement.

Our CEO, Steve Davis, MD, MMM, joined leaders of the world’s leading organizations to sign the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge. He also stated his personal commitment to DEI. He and the executive leaders work to uphold and expand this commitment at Cincinnati Children’s.

Recognized as a Best Employer

We firmly believe honors come from the efforts and sense of mission every person brings to their work at Cincinnati Children’s. Recognition happens when employees can fulfill their potential.

Everyone Deserves Respect. That’s Cincinnati Children’s Commitment.

We’re dedicated to making sure all employees, patients, families and visitors feel welcome and safe.

Together, we commit to:

  • Ending child health disparities
  • Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Standing against racism
  • Creating an environment free of discrimination
  • Taking personal and institutional responsibility

Learn More About our Commitment

DEI Progress by the Numbers

The DEI team and other stakeholders at Cincinnati Children’s use clear, robust measures to effectively track diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and outcomes. These metrics help prioritize initiatives, set goals, recognize risk areas and assign accountability.

We apply over 90 different metrics to the entire organization. It’s how we make ourselves accountable. It’s how we manage bias blind spots and mindsets. And it’s vital data that helps empower meaningful initiatives.

Here are some of our top metrics as of June 30, 2022.

Overall Diversity

Male
Female
21%
79%
PoC
White
23%
77%

Executive and Sr. Leaders

Male
Female
55%
45%
PoC
White
19%
81%

Middle Management

Male
Female
26%
74%
PoC
White
13%
87%

Supplier Diversity

Illustration of money.
$76.0M
Diverse Spend in FY2022

Community Engagement

Illustration of three people.
21,000+
Children and Families Reached Through Community Outreach

"Better Together" Training

Illustration of a laptop screen with a check mark on it.
100%
16,000+ Employees Participated and Completed the Training

Building Strong Community Relationships

2021 Red Community Makeover event.From partnership investments with other nonprofits to employee volunteer efforts, we’re deeply committed to collaborating, leading and advocating to improve the health of local children and reduce disparities in targeted populations. We’re committed to addressing significant health needs beyond our walls and achieving healthcare outcomes for all children in the region.

Our total community benefit exceeded $400 million in fiscal year 2021 and supported charitable patient care, subsidized health services, health professional education, research and community relations.

Connect to Community Relations

Compassionate Care and Resources For All Patients and Families

Nurse Benjamin Miller holds child at Cincinnati Children's.

There’s a reason that patients from all 50 states and 90 countries come to us for care. Ranked among the top five in the nation on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Children’s Hospitals, when you come to us for care, you’re getting some of best care in the world – right here in Cincinnati.

If you are a patient or a family member, we want to make your visit as easy and meaningful as possible. Check out our Patient & Family Journey support page for links to help you manage your visit and connect you with our hospital resources. 

Get Support for the Journey

Meet the DEI Team

Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations Visael “Bobby” Rodriguez believes in listening and celebrating each other’s differences and similarities to create a stronger organization. His team’s goal is to “ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees, patients and communities.”

We’re Here to Help

Contact the DEI team

To learn more about our ongoing work to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion at Cincinnati Children's, email diversity@cchmc.org.