Words by Morgan Ersery

Implementing hiring best practices, examining the makeup of the leadership team and strengthening your anti-discrimination policies are all great ways to cultivate diversity and inclusion for your employees. To make an even more meaningful impact, the types of medical and wellness benefits you offer and whether they provide your BIPOC staff the type of support they need should also be a consideration in developing a holistic plan for your company. 

In the United States, Black women and LGBTQIA people of color face disparities in access to health care, the quality of care received, and health outcomes. The bias and behaviors of health care providers have been identified as one of many factors that contribute to health disparities. Due to bias in medical care, Black women are 12 times more likely to die of pregnancy related complications than white women. This epidemic persists regardless of socio-economic status and extends to most conditions like heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and HIV. 

What steps can you take to make your company’s wellness benefits even more inclusive? 

• Start by listening to your employees via interviews and anonymous surveys. Let them tell you about their experiences, share any gaps in current benefits or support and begin to discuss potential solutions 

• Audit your existing health and wellness providers to ensure that their policies and leadership are anti-racist and anti-discriminatory

• Partner with companies and organizations to design, implement and/or offer inclusive programs, resources and benefits. 

The Take Care Membership from Womanly is a digital space that offers wellness programming, events, curated classes and accessible health resources. We are commited to providing a community that can empower BIPOC women and non-binary folks while creating a space for release, reflection, and learning. Maybe a community member wants a recommendation for a primary care physician who understands their cultural needs or talking points on how to stand up for yourself in the doctor’s office. With a Take Care membership, your employees can feel supported while you’ll feel great knowing that you’re helping to combat bias in healthcare. 

Founded in 2017, Womanly helps people take charge of their health through art and creative experiences. Beginning with our bi-annual print magazine, our work has expanded to include regular health programming, informational webinars, social campaigns, screenings, counseling, and early disease detection. We’ve partnered with Planned Parenthood of the Greater New York, Brooklyn Museum, General Assembly, Tia Health, Bumble, Henry Street Settlement and more to provide print magazines and interactive activations to their communities.

Start to Take Care of your staff by reaching out today.

Womanly is an entirely volunteer lead organization supported in part by donations. If a membership is not a good fit for your company, but you would still like to help make an impact, you can become an impact donor. Learn more by emailing development@womanlymag.com.