Create a safe space in the clinical environment for children and families of color: “Even the pictures, like the marketing around the hospital and the clinic practice matters…the magazines, the posters, the coloring books, the dolls. Everything that you [do] to paint the picture… is one more sign that we can breathe a little bit."

Establish trusted relationships with children and families of color: “It was very helpful when I had their undivided attention. Sit down and be able to actually be present. When they looked me in the eye and stayed there as if they were checking in with me, asking the question about ‘What's going on, how am I doing, how's everything been going?’ Over time a couple of those visits helps to build in that trust that, ‘Oh they're going to ask me how I'm doing. They're going to want to know what's going on with me.’ And so, it starts to become a rhythm and it becomes comfortable and you can start to peel back the layers.”

Acknowledge that many aspects of health care are often negatively impacted by racism or bias for families of color. It may be helpful to: “Keep in mind the different outcomes, mortality rates, and the health disparities in regard to the minority patients that you're seeing. Mention them. Bring them up to let us know that you're aware. [Acknowledging these factors] might be a little bit awkward, but it's still those first stumbling blocks of conversation that [may help] you begin to build that relationship.” Another panelist agreed, “Be willing to have these uncomfortable conversations.”

Recognize when current events weigh heavily on patients and families (such as the murder of George Floyd, the Buffalo supermarket mass shooting, and many others): “If something has just happened in the news, saying, ‘It is a really hard time right now because of what has happened in X.’ This [acknowledgement] can help the patient and family know that you are aware.”

Advocate for diversity and inclusion within institutions: “I would challenge everyone to go back to their organizations and try and make them more inclusive and work from the inside out because representation matters. Advocate within your organization for building new sourcing pipelines and advocate for employee resource groups where you can have these conversations and advocate working with your HR. Make it look different.”