April is Neurodiversity Awareness Month, which raises awareness and understanding about cognitive differences. Often, organizations will use the time as an opportunity to educate about conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, bipolar disorder and others that impact how the mind works and how one interacts with the world.
We should always remember that every brain is different, and everyone has strengths and weaknesses. As they mature, humans use their strengths to get around their weaknesses. On Wednesday, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team hosted an enlightening learning session on Neurodiverse Employees Awareness. The session gave a helpful overview of what neurodiversity refers to (it encompasses all people, acknowledging we are all different in the way our brains function and process information) and explained what other terms such as “neurodivergent” and “neurotypical” mean.
Perhaps the most impactful part of the session was hearing first-hand experiences from our own workforce family members with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, who shed light on their unique approaches to work and success. The session resulted in great dialogue between the audience and panelists that continued even after it formally ended. It was eye-opening for most and appreciated!
As an employer, GBMC recognizes that people work differently and thrive in various environments. We should all strive to be supportive and accommodating whenever possible, recognizing that what works for one person may not work for another. This could range from being mindful of light or sound sensitivities to being considerate of social anxieties and more.
By embracing neurodiversity and making appropriate adjustments, we create a workplace where all can excel. At GBMC HealthCare, we want everyone to have a seat at the table and the opportunity to contribute in ways that align with their strengths. Together, we can build a workplace that honors the unique abilities and contributions of each individual.
Medical Laboratory Professionals Week
Medical Laboratory Professionals Week is April 14-20! It is an annual celebration of medical laboratory professionals and pathologists who play a vital role in healthcare and patient advocacy! Be sure to thank a medical laboratory professional today for all that they do here at GBMC!
Health Information Professionals Week
April 14-20 is Health Information (HI) Professionals Week. Please join GBMC HealthCare in recognizing our HI Professionals for their continued accomplishments of service. Our HI professionals are responsible for maintaining complete, secure, and confidential health records, in addition to coding health information, which ensures accurate data reporting and reimbursement. Thank you to our HI Professionals for all that you do!
National Healthcare Decisions Day
April 16 was National Healthcare Decisions Day. This day is dedicated to empowering individuals to express their wishes regarding healthcare and end-of-life care through advance care planning. I wanted to take a moment to reiterate the importance of advance care planning and recommitting ourselves to ensuring that every patient's wishes are known, respected, and followed.
This is also a reminder to take a moment to reflect on your personal wishes as well. One way to get an advance directive form is to ask your primary care provider. I hope all will use this observance as an opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions about their own advance care planning with family and loved ones.
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