The Diversity and Community Engagement Office offers a range of opportunities, resources, and events both within and beyond the health system. We promote inclusion and equity for patients and families, team members, and community members throughout the region.
Standing United Against Racism
The racist attack at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY, killing 10 people and injuring 3 others — 11 of the 13 victims being Black — was one of three mass shootings in one weekend in the United States. I continue to be deeply saddened and outraged by the racially motivated hate crimes in our country and elsewhere, and I extend my deepest sympathies to those who lost family, friends, and loved ones in this insidious event.
UVA Health is a community of healing, compassion, inclusion, and respect for all. Discrimination and prejudice have no place within and outside of our healthcare walls. The mission of our Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Office is to cultivate an inclusive community that embraces, values and celebrates diversity as well as one that creates an engaging and equitable environment. Violent acts of racism affect every aspect of our lives, from personal safety, to education, to the health and wellbeing of the people in our communities. Our country must come together to stand against and dismantle racism and discrimination in all forms, especially those of race-related hate and violence.
Together, we join in the hope for a peaceful today, tomorrow, and future, universally free of hate, racism and discrimination.
— Tracy Downs, MD, FACS, Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer
Our Mission
To cultivate an inclusive community that embraces, values, and celebrates diversity and creates an engaging, equitable environment.
Learn more about our mission and goals.
A Welcome From Dr. Downs
Tracy Downs, MD, FACS, discusses his role as UVA Health's inaugural Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer. View diversity transcript.
UVA Health promotes health equity through services and programs for patients and families. These include:
- Care for refugee and immigrant families at the international clinic
- Language help from interpreters and translators
- Geriatric care and support services for seniors
- Affirming LGBTQ healthcare, including transgender healthcare services
- A range of disability services
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the Monancan People as the traditional custodians of the land in and around Charlottesville.
Get in Touch
Contact us with your comments or concerns.
Melody Pannell, Director
Contact Melody by email or call 434.243.8526
Tonya R. Fredericks, Senior Executive Assistant
Contact Tonya by email or call 434.243.5920
Jackie G. Martin, Director of Community Partnerships and Health Equity
Contact Jackie by email or call 434.243.8352