Becker’s Hospital Review has named Sanford Health’s Natasha Smith to the 2023 edition of its “Hospital and health system diversity, equity and inclusion officers to know” list.
This list honors DEI officers for their dedication to bettering their hospitals and health systems and directing efforts to create inclusive healthcare environments where everyone feels welcomed, valued and safe. The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations for this list and curated it to highlight the great work of DEI officers from hospitals and health systems across the nation.
Smith serves as the head of diversity, equity and inclusion at Sanford Health. She is responsible for leading DEI strategy for the nation’s largest rural health care provider. Under her leadership, the DEI office has conducted over 100 inclusivity trainings at Sanford Health’s four major medical centers. Trainings focus on gender affirming care, culturally relevant care, unconscious bias, microaggressions, empathy-building and psychological safety.
During Smith’s tenure, she has created a new DEI site with resources for employees and leaders, coordinated an annual DEI celebration throughout the health system, and expanded benefits for same sex marriages and domestic partnerships across the Sanford footprint.
“Natasha has led the way in shaping a culture at Sanford where everyone is welcome and valued,” said Ashley Wenger-Slaba, Sanford Health vice president of employee experience. “This honor is a testament to her tireless efforts, and I am very proud she is being recognized for helping Sanford become an even better place to work.”
The full list of individual profiles of all officers can be read online.
Learn more
- LGBTQ+ patients can find high-quality care at Sanford Health
- Sanford works to provide culturally competent care for all
- How Sanford Health is addressing racial bias in health care
- Sanford Health’s Erica DeBoer named to ‘CNOs to know’ list
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Posted In Awards & Recognition, Community, Company News, Here for all. Here for good., Inclusion at Sanford, News, People & Culture
