On September 1, 2017 Health & Medicine’s Director of Health Equity Wesley Epplin and Board Member Linda Murray, MD, MPH testified at the Cook County Health and Hospitals Systems (CCHHS) Board meeting on ensuring that the system’s hospitals and clinics are welcoming and affirming spaces for all patients, especially immigrants. Both Epplin and Murray reiterated the policy recommendations of the Public Health Woke Coalition, of which Health & Medicine is a lead member, which outline steps CCHHS should take to ensure their facilities are truly safe for all patients:
1. Place clear signage. Place abundant and clear signage in multiple languages assuring a welcoming institution.
2. Provide staff training. Staff training and resources addressing needs of marginalized patients and families.
3. Implement a legal referrals system. Establish referral systems for legal services, know-your-rights information, and other necessary resources.
4. Strengthen internal policies and procedures. Clarify, revise, and strengthen policies & procedures that focus on protecting immigrant & marginalized patients.
5. Monitor community stress. Identify and monitor indicators and neighborhood stress in immigrant & marginalized communities.
6. Ensure best practices for patients facing increased stress and trauma. Design & implement best practices for clinical and public health providers to deliver appropriate care.