Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Community Engagement

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.

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.

Our Commitment to Health Equity

A world-class academic health system with community care throughout Virginia, UVA Health serves a diverse range of communities facing health disparities. Promoting equity for those we serve is central to our mission. In fact, we made cultivating healthy communities and belonging for all one of the three main goals in our 10-year strategic plan

Key steps we’re taking to promote equity include:

Workforce Development

We’re also working to reduce disparities with our Earn While You Learn program. Participants earn a competitive salary while training for a needed healthcare role. The program helps people train for in-demand healthcare careers without going into debt. 

Inclusion at the Core

Inclusion and equity are foundational to our overall aims to:

  • Be the best place to work
  • Give value-based care
  • Deliver quality and safety that create superior outcomes

We want every patient to have the best care experience. 

    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.

    Inclusion in our Environment

    Questions? Contact us

    UVA Health promotes health equity through services and programs for patients and families. These include:

    Land Acknowledgement

    We acknowledge the Monacan 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

    Jackie G. Martin, Director of Community Partnerships and Health Equity
    Contact Jackie by email or call 434.243.8352