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Editor-in-Chief
Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW

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Katherine Easton, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C

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Brittany Hahn, LCSW

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Patricia Sullivan

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2025 Themes

February: Workplace & Culture
May: Therapeutic Techniques

August: Palliative Care

November: Caregivers

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Trainings & Information

May 16, 2023

Melody Griffith, MSW, LMSW, OSW-C

Diversity & Inclusion

By Melody Griffith, MSW, LMSW, OSW-C

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is paramount to assessing and meeting the needs of oncology patients and their families. Addressing differences in patient populations may improve clinical trial participation and general oncology support services. It may also decrease disparities in healthcare services. In answer to this need, oncology organizations are becoming more aware of DEI and how staff can incorporate specific skills into practice. We as oncology social workers have the responsibility of seeking out and perhaps even initiating discussion and education surrounding DEI. So where do we start? The following is a list of DEI trainings, courses and resources. This is not an all-encompassing list, rather we hope it provides a starting point in your search for growth in this area.

Organization	Cost or Free	Courses and Objectives
Traliant Online Diversity Training \| Traliant	Cost	How a diverse and inclusive workplace benefits everyone How to apply the concepts of diversity and inclusion in their daily interactions How to increase awareness of unconscious bias and avoid its negative influence on recruiting, hiring and other business decisions How civility, cultural competency and sensitivity can help prevent workplace misconduct How positive attitudes and behaviors can lead to a more inclusive environment
Talent LMS Diversity and Inclusion Employee Training Courses – TalentLibrary (talentlms.com)	Cost 4 pricing plans to choose from $69-$459/month	10 courses: The Key Values of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Gender Inclusion Digital Accessibility The Value of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Unconscious Bias LGBTQ+ Awareness and Inclusion Confronting Discrimination Recognizing You Privilege Types of Discrimination Becoming an Inclusive Leader
ELVTR GLOBAL DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING COURSE \| A live online course with Director of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging at Zillow Group \| ELVTR	Cost	Live online course (June 6- July 25, 2023) Instructor: Cornell Verdeja-Woodson Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Course For those transitioning to leadership roles For those who want to be a diversity advocate For those who want to foster a better culture in your team
Valamis Diversity and Inclusion (DEI) Training in the Workplace: Examples (valamis.com)	Cost
NonProfitReady.org Free Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Courses \| NonprofitReady	Free Must create a free account	Courses: Intro to Unconscious Bias Invisible Disabilities Equity and Inclusion Lens
University of Southern Florida Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate \| USF Muma College of Business	Free & $99 for certificate	Offers DEI in the Workplace Certificate Seven modules including: Emotional Intelligence Stereotypes & Biases Understand your Organization Future of your Org through Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment & Retention Community Outreach Sustainable Business Model
Pesi	Cost – varies by course	Various courses Becoming a Social Justice Informed Clinician: Embodying Equity, Inclusion and Liberation to Enhance Treatment with Minoritized Client Culture & Race in Health Care Advanced Racial Trauma Treatment Trauma-Informed Clinical Strategies for Equity, Inclusivity and Client Empowerment Culture & Race in Healthcare Social Justice as Healing Work Discrimination and Microaggressions on LGBTQIA+ Client Mental Health Creating Diversity in the Practice of Play Therapy Culturally Responsive Clinical Supervision: Ethical and Trauma-Informed Multicultural Supervision Strategies Cultural Competency & Diversity Diversity in Clinical Practice Multicultural Awareness & Diversity: Powerful Strategies to Advance Client Rapport & Cultural Competence Cultural Competency and Trauma-Informed Care for Working with Trans and Trans BIPOC Clients
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION: Elevating Equity in Caring for Patients with Hematologic Malignancies \| Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (lls.org)	Free	The goal of this activity is for learners to be better able to recognize healthcare disparities and their multifactorial etiologies, implement team-based strategies, and identify resources that proactively address barriers associated with disparities in care and health outcomes.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Elevating Equity in Caring for Patients with Hematologic Malignancies \| Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (lls.org)	Free	A multidisciplinary panel consisting of a hematologist/oncologist, nurse practitioner (NP), and patient advocate will provide a comprehensive review of specific issues that affect patients with hematologic malignancies, including guidance for community practice, clinical strategies to address disparities, healthcare policies, and patient access considerations. The goal of this activity is that learners will be better able to recognize healthcare disparities and their multifactorial etiologies, and implement strategies and identify resources that proactively address barriers associated with disparities in care and health outcomes.
Cancer Care Understanding How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment and Care: With Tips and Strategies to Find the Best Cancer Treatment and Health Care Team for You (cancercare.org)	Free	Understanding How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment and Care May 15, 2023, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Other Resources	Where to find it
AOSW Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee	AOSW – Leadership
NASW’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Page Undoing Racism Through Social Work: NASW Report to the Profession on Racial Justice Priorities and Action Undoing Racism Through Social Work Vol. 2 Podcast Episodes Videos News Releases	Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (socialworkers.org) Layout 1 (socialworkers.org) 2022 NASW Racial Justice Report (socialworkers.org)
University of Missouri-Kansas City DEI Reading List August 2021 – present August 2019 – July 2021	ld.php (umkc.edu) ld.php (umkc.edu)

About the Author

Melody Griffith, MSW, LMSW, OSW-C

Outpatient Oncology Social Worker, Instructor in Social Work, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
Mayo Clinic
Phoenix, Arizona
griffith.melody@mayo.edu

Melody Griffith received a master's degree in social work from Arizona State University in 2010. She completed an internship at a hospital where she was assigned to the oncology floor and later hired as a social worker. She fell in love with o...

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