Looking to 'close the door on racism,' Mayo commits $100 million to inclusion efforts
Mayo Clinic says it will invest $100 million over the next 10 years to address health disparities and to ‘eliminate racism’ and advance equity and inclusion on its campuses.
The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon following the closing of the Plummer Building doors. The ceremonial gesture was made to symbolize Mayo ‘closing the door on racism.’ It marked only the 11th time on record in 92 years that the 4,000-pound bronze doors have been closed. (Past ceremonies have been carried out after notable events, such as the passing of Sister Generose and the assassination of John F. Kennedy.)
Where will the money go?
Mayo said it plans to use the $100 million on a variety of initiatives, from recruitment to technology. Below are some of the programs outlined in Mayo’s announcement (their language, not ours):
Strengthen pipeline programs for health care professionals as part of its education mission, using a $12 million endowment established by the Board of Governors
Increase diverse recruitment of investigators and clinical trial participants to strengthen Mayo Clinic's research mission, using an additional allocation of $3 million per year
Increase recruitment and retention of physicians, nurses and supervisors from underrepresented groups and build an inclusive environment for staff, learners and patients, using an additional allocation of $5 million per year
Leverage digital and telehealth technology to improve equitable health outcomes across the nation. While Mayo Clinic has increasingly expanded its reach to address health disparities in the communities it serves, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the social, economic and health disadvantages that exist in minority communities.
Address conscious and unconscious racism within the organization
Invest in increasing the diversity of our patient population, with a particular emphasis on patients from the Black community
Provide staff with meaningful community service activities, and ways to get personally engaged
Wednesday’s announcement from Mayo follows months of social unrest following the murder of George Floyd just 90 minutes from Mayo’s headquarters. The events have led to increased calls for government and business leaders to do more to address racial disparities.
Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.
Cover photo: The Plummer Building doors closed Wednesday to “demonstrate that Mayo Clinic is closing the doors on racism” / William Forsman
