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Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief
Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW
AOSW Communications Director
Jeanice Hansen, LCSW, OSW-C
Managing Editor
Patricia Sullivan
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To submit a story or information for inclusion in a future issue of AOSW Newsletter, contact Amy Colver or Melody Griffith on the list above.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Trainings & Information
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 |
|
| Talent LMS Diversity and Inclusion Employee Training Courses – TalentLibrary (talentlms.com) |
Cost 4 pricing plans to choose from $69-$459/month |
10 courses:
|
| ELVTR | Cost | Live online course (June 6- July 25, 2023)
Instructor: Cornell Verdeja-Woodson Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Course
|
| 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:
|
| 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:
|
| Pesi | Cost – varies by course | Various courses
|
| 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
News Releases |
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (socialworkers.org)
|
| University of Missouri-Kansas City
DEI Reading List
|
|
About the Author
Melody Griffith, MSW, LMSW, OSW-C
Outpatient Oncology Social Worker, Instructor in Social Work, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and ScienceMayo 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...
Read Full Author Bio
Melody Griffith, MSW, LMSW, OSW-C
Outpatient Oncology Social Worker, Instructor in Social Work, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and ScienceMayo 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 oncology and moved to the outpatient setting to establish longer-term relationships with patients through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Melody began her employment at Mayo Clinic in 2016. She created and facilitated several support groups including Multiple Myeloma, Caregiver, and AYA groups, has been instrumental in process and program development, education of staff, and continues to further the work of psycho-oncology care. She has a special place in her heart for young adult patients and continues to learn and grow from her interactions with them.
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