OCHN's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility Position Statement

OCHN Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Position Statement

In acknowledgement of global violence and recent reports of hate and intimidation, Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) is releasing its IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) position statement. In its role as Oakland County’s public behavioral health system, OCHN is committed to leading by example to prioritize treating all people with respect. Additionally, the organization wants people to be aware of the negative impact violence and discrimination can have on their mental health, as well as when, where, and how to get support if needed.

IDEA POSITION STATEMENT

Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) affirms its commitment to recognizing, addressing, and eradicating all forms of racism, ethnic, gender, religious, and disability oppression. We focus on engaging and collaborating in teaching and service that challenges oppressive and unjust forces. We work to reduce injustices both within the behavioral health system and the broader community. OCHN leadership is united in the pursuit of ending discrimination, racism, sexism, ableism, prejudice, and bias; and empowering our staff and network towards this collective goal of IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility).

We stand committed:

To affirm explicitly and in united solidarity our identity as an anti-racist organization
To individual and institutional exploration and examination of implicit bias and systemic advantage/oppression such as an anti-racism commitment be reflected in the life and culture of OCHN through our policies, programs, services, and practices as we continue to learn about systemic racism and oppression.
To the development and implementation of strategies, trainings, and best practices that dismantle racism, ethnic, gender, religious, and disability oppression within all aspects of our organization, network, and community as a whole.
To create a safe place where our employees feel safe, valued, and heard.
Promoting open, respectful dialogue with a focus on a more connected path together.

We remain a community and organization that is stronger together and committed to racial and social justice. To be silent is to be complicit. We have a platform, and we have a duty to our employees, individuals served, and the community to speak up. Today, and every day.

Making people aware of how these incidents impact the mental health of the communities in which we live is priority for OCHN. View the OCHN IDEA webpage at this link I nclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility (IDEA) | Oakland CHN, MI

Please view additional resources at the links below:

Helping Students Marke Sense of News Stories about Bias and Injustice

Empowering Young People in the Aftermath of Hate

Antisemitic Incidents: Being an Ally, Advocate, and Activist

Inspire Hope • Empower People • Strengthen Communities

Oakland Community Health Network | www.oaklandchn.org