AAGP/AJGP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Action: Historic Perspective and Future Goals

Abstract

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are important objectives in all professional fields, and they are exceptionally important and impactful within healthcare. Every day, patients and their families put their trust in our hands. When doing so, they deserve to be treated at all times with the utmost respect and compassion. DEI principles create an environment of safety, belonging, and positive health outcomes.Diversity of health providers allows for better care of diverse patients and helps to promote health equity and reduce disparities. Since healthcare is ultimately built upon relationships, it is important that all our patients trust us to understand and meet their unique needs. Achieving our diversity, equity and inclusion objectives for the betterment of all healthcare is an ongoing process, and we are steadfastly committed to its success.AAGP remains committed to developing and fostering a culture of compassion, inclusivity, belonging, and acceptance. For many years AAGP had a Diversity Caucus, which since 2020 became AAGP Inclusion, Diversity, Equity in Action (IDEA) committee with representation on the AAGP Board.The AAGP IDEA committee promotes a welcoming environment for all, by prioritizing respectful diversity, equity and inclusion across AAGP and its membership; advises the AAGP Board on the establishment of policies related to these principles; serves as a consulting body to AAGP components; creates and identifies opportunities that advance diversity, equity and inclusion for members; identifies outreach opportunities to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion of current AAGP membership and potential members; forms subcommittees or workgroups as needed to focus on specific diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.AAGP through its flagship publication American Journal of Psychiatry (AJGP) provides readers with DEI updates in the areas of clinical practice, research, teaching and public policy in geriatric psychiatry.This session will provide the audience with overview of current AAGP/AGJP DEI initiatives and outline plans for creation of mentorship programs and outreach efforts for the benefit of geriatric psychiatry providers, patients and caregivers.