Social Justice and Inclusion in FMCH: Advancing Together
FMCH Diversity Statement 2024
Racism and structural oppression are immediate and ongoing crises affecting the health of our communities. Diversity, equity, and inclusion within our department are integral to addressing these systemic conditions.
UMass Chan Family Medicine and Community Health is deeply committed to working toward a more equitable and just environment in which all members of our department can thrive.
We strive to advance health equity, social justice, anti-racism and anti-oppression through critical inquiry and dialogue, education, research, and evaluation of clinical care, all while amplifying community voices.
Through celebrating our different lived experiences and building connections, we elevate and propel our department towards ongoing reflective action in pursuit of authentic connectedness, equity, and justice.
FMCH Diversity Response Team
The FMCH Diversity Response Team includes ombudspeople trained in restorative justice principles who are embedded in the department at different sites and in different positions. Our goal is for each member of the department to feel there is someone they trust to help them process events that impact them negatively and to consider the full range of reporting and response options available for achieving restorative justice. Currently our team includes:
- Jennifer Bradford MD MPH, Assistant Professor and Director of Social Justice and Inclusion
- Shahida Fareed PsyD, Assistant Professor and Director of Integrated Behavioral Health
- Josephine Fowler MD MSc MBA FAAFP, Professor and FMCH Vice Chair for Clinical Services
- Heather-Lyn Haley PhD, Assistant Professor and Program Director for Community Health
The Diversity Response Team was formed to develop our Department Equity Action Plan (DEAP) in 2022. We continue the collection of department-level climate data through biannual surveys, and meet biweekly to better understand and address issues of social justice and inclusion. Please reach to any of these individuals to discuss concerns as they arise, or use our online Ombuds Support Form.
Beginning in Fall of 2024, with funding from a clinical system grant, the program expands to become a full-fledged Ombuds Program including 6 new site-specific ombuds and strengthening the intake form and process. The program will recognize and support trusted individuals within our system who are already hearing from their peers when red flags are identified or disparities are seen. Ombuds will be compensated financially for time spent on restorative justice activity and provided structural opportunities for professional support as members of a community of practice. If you are interested in joining the Ombuds Group, please reach out to a current member of the Diversity Response Team.
If you've experienced or witnessed harm, you can complete the support form to let us know what's happening anonymously and/or to seek support and guidance as you consider your options for reporting and response. If you leave a name, a member of the response team will reach out. We work in close collaboration with the UMass Chan Diversity and Inclusion Office. Visit their website to review options for official reporting.
Learn more about restorative justice principles and practices at the UMass Chan Lamar Soutter Library Guide on Restorative Justice.