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Devereux makes significant investments in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

As part of its commitment to combatting racism and fostering an equitable and inclusive work environment where cultural diversity is celebrated and valued, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health continues to make significant investments in its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) organizational transformation.

With financial support from the Ronald P. Burd 21st Century Fund for Excellence and Innovation, which was established in 2005 by Devereux’s national Board of Trustees, the nonprofit is working to ensure DEI is fully ingrained in the organizational culture.

“We want all of our team members, as well as the individuals and families we serve, to feel welcomed and supported when they walk through our doors,” said Devereux President and CEO Carl E. Clark II. “Since formally launching our DEI organizational transformation last year, we have made strides in our efforts to enact real change and make sure DEI best practices are at the forefront of our minds every day. We are extremely grateful to the Ronald P. Burd 21st Century Fund for Excellence and Innovation for supporting this important work.”

DEI achievements

In November 2020, Devereux hosted an organization-wide DEI kick-off event, a virtual workshop featuring Dr. Howard Stevenson, Lion’s Story founder and nationally recognized clinical psychologist and researcher on negotiating racial conflicts using racial literacy.

Since then, the organization has established:

• National DEI Steering Committee: Comprised of members of the senior leadership team, as well as a diverse group of team members from across the country, this committee ensures both forward momentum and regional relevancy.
• A mission statement: At Devereux, we believe diversity, equity and inclusion is fundamental to providing the highest quality of services. We will continuously engage in anti-racist work across our organization and strive to dismantle systemic and structural racism, starting with ourselves. We are deeply committed to racial justice and equity as an employer and as a healthcare provider. We denounce racism in all forms.
• DEI Champions: Staff from departments and program areas at each Devereux campus advocate for, and work toward, meaningful and positive change.
• Feedback Forums and assessments: In early 2021, DEI Champions held Feedback Forums at their campuses, providing a safe space to discuss DEI-related issues and topics. In addition, DEI assessments were conducted to learn where Devereux was succeeding, along with areas requiring attention or improvement.
• Advisor Program: DEI Advisors – members of the national DEI Steering Committee – provide coaching to DEI Champions to maximize skill development, competence and confidence.
• Train the Trainer Program: Team members across the organization’s campuses, identified as DEI Trainers, teach healthy coping behaviors and facilitate racial literacy training during: 1) new hire onboarding and 2) annual training for current employees.

“This multi-year, organizational transformation means so much to so many people, and the impact of our efforts over the past year has already been profound,” noted Devereux Arizona Executive Director Yvette Jackson, LMSW, DBH, who serves on the national DEI Steering Committee. “While we are proud of our accomplishments to date, we know there is much more work to be done as we move forward with intent and purpose to ensure DEI reaches all corners of our organization.”

About the Ronald P. Burd Fund

The Ronald P. Burd 21st Century Fund for Excellence and Innovation pays tribute to Ronald P. Burd who served as Devereux’s president and CEO from 1984 to 2004. The Fund was created to strengthen the quality of the organization’s existing programs and promote the development of program innovations and enhancements.

“When I learned the Fund was being directed to an organization-wide effort to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, I could not have been more pleased,” shared Burd. “These principles must underscore all we do, with regard to how we build a truly heterogeneous workforce that supports increasingly diverse and complex individuals. For Devereux, these are not new principles. These are core attributes our founder, Helena Devereux, carved into our organization’s bedrock. I look forward to following the progress of those spearheading this initiative and seeing the enhancements it fosters.”

Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

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