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Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism and Equity

The Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health (PFRH) is committed to being a department that values and upholds inclusive, diverse, anti-racist and equitable practices and policies; where all students, staff, and faculty feel safe, supported, and accountable to each other.

Mission

The PFRH Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE) Committee is charged with providing guidance in elevating a culture that values and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion within the department. The PFRH IDARE Committee works in collaboration with the School’s Office of IDARE to provide programmatic opportunities that help train and educate faculty, staff, and students on anti-racism, unconscious bias, microaggressions, and health disparities.

PFRH IDARE

Strategic Goals

  1. People: Culture - Uphold a culture of respectful, transparent student, staff and faculty relationships.
  2. People: Recruitment  - Ensure equitable recruitment, hiring, and retention.  
  3. Education - Ensure PFRH academic standards and curriculum are reflective of IDARE vision and priorities. 
  4. Science - Communicate the value of IDARE principles in our research and practice.

Objectives & Work to Date

With the shared understanding that the work of cultivating inclusive, diverse, anti-racist and equitable practices and policies is never “done”, the PFRH IDARE committee has established the following initial objectives and completed work to date noted below for each of our four core goal areas. 

People: Culture

Objectives 

  1. Develop a system for reporting, responding to, and monitoring IDARE concerns within the department.
  2. Practice transparency within departmental relationships.  
  3. Provide opportunities for training related to IDARE.  
  4. Invest in PFRH IDARE committee.

 

Efforts to Date

  • Presentations to MSPH students on IDARE and Mentorship. 
  • Created and updated list of ongoing education opportunities for faculty.
  • IDARE section created on website.
  • JHSPH IDARE Teams developed to share best practices. 
  • Increased TA pay. 
  • Developed standard RA rates. 
  • Allocated salary support offered for IDARE Chair.

 

People: Recruitment

Objectives

  1. Develop or adapt a model to support and retain students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented minority (URM) groups.
  2. Create standards for assessing candidates during interviews.

Efforts to Date

  • Invited Departmental DAN rep to serve on IDARE committee. 
  • Offered Annual workshops offered by Education Team on reviewing student applications and interviewing.
  • Created Rubric for reviewing DEI statements of faculty candidates.

 

Education

Objectives

  1. Establish an IDARE core competency.
  2. Institutionalize IDARE across all educational offerings.

Efforts to Date

  • Sent IDARE questions to faculty to include in 4th term evaluations.
  • Reviewed all courses for IDARE content.
  • Hosted IDARE-related noon seminar speakers.
  • Created faculty resource on providing. guidance to overwhelmed students.
  • Reviewed IDARE case studies during faculty meetings.
Science

Objectives

  1. Promote IDARE-focused scholarship.
  2. Support grant and scholarly writing around IDARE topics.

 

Efforts to Date

  • Consulted with HARC team around IDARE topics for grant proposals.
  • Shared IDARE focused grant with faculty.
  • Added questions about ongoing IDARE education to Annual Review process.

Creating a Safe & Supportive Environment Together

Learning together brings the responsibility to engage in meaningful dialogue. Students, staff and faculty are asked to:

  • Share knowledge, comments, feedback and opinions in ways that respect varied perspectives.
  • Listen to others with an open mind and to be willing to understand others’ points of view.
  • Create space for others to express ideas with active listening, questions, and silence.

Effective communication may mean allowing others to have ideas that differ from one's own. Students, staff and faculty are asked to:

  • Respectfully acknowledge differences, rather than cutting off conversation or pushing a point.
  • Recognize that sometimes agreeing to disagree is appropriate.
  • Find an overarching goal or principle on which there is agreement.

Resources

PFRH IDARE Library

The PFRH IDARE Committee has curated this ongoing collection of scholarly research below to inform and broaden our understanding of our work. This is a dynamic, living library and we welcome your suggestions for additional scholarship and resources. 


Advancing IDARE Principles with Colleagues and in Research

Bowleg, L. (2021). “The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house”: Ten critical lessons for Black and other health equity researchers of color. Health Education & Behavior48(3), 237-249.
Chaiyachati BH, Peña M, Montoya-Williams D. The Complicated Inadequacy of Race and Ethnicity DataJAMA Pediatr. 2022;176(7):631–632. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.0525 
Gaynor, K. M., Azevedo, T., Boyajian, C., Brun, J., Budden, A. E., Cole, A., ... & Fong, C. R. (2022). Ten simple rules to cultivate belonging in collaborative data science research teamsPLOS Computational Biology18(11), e1010567.
Nobles, M., Womack, C., Wonkam, A., & Wathuti, E. (2022). Ending racism is key to better science: a message from Nature’s guest editorsNature610(7932), 419-420.
Ruedas-Garcia, N., Botham, C.M., Moore, A.R., & Peña, C. (2022). Ten simple rules for creating a sense of belonging in your research group. PLOS Computational Biology. Advanced online publication.
The Lancet special Issue: Advancing racial and ethnic equity in science, medicine, and global health.
Boyd, R. C., Castro, F. G., Finigan-Carr, N., Okamoto, S. K., Barlow, A., Kim, B. K. E., ... & Kenney, A. (2023). Strategic directions in preventive intervention research to advance health equityPrevention Science24(4), 577-596.
Brown, T. H., & Homan, P. (2023). The Future of Social Determinants of Health: Looking Upstream to Structural Drivers. The Milbank Quarterly101(S1), 36-60.

 

Child and Adolescent Health

Lane Jr, A., Gavins, A., Domitrovich, C. E., Oruh, C. M., Morris, C., Boogaard, C., ... & Spencer, T. (2022). Advancing Antiracism in Community-Based Research Practices in Early Childhood and Family Mental HealthJournal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry61(1), 15-22.
Thornton, R. L., & Yang, T. J. (2023). Addressing population health inequities: investing in the social determinants of health for children and families to advance child health equity. Current Opinion in Pediatrics35(1), 8.
Trent, M., Dooley, D. G., Dougé, J., Cavanaugh, R. M., Lacroix, A. E., Fanburg, J., ... & Wallace, S. B. (2019). The impact of racism on child and adolescent healthPediatrics144(2).
Katz-Wise, S. L., Shah, S. N., Melvin, P., Boskey, E. R., Grice, A. W., Kornetsky, S., ... & Ward, V. L. (2024). Establishing a Pediatric Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Research Review ProcessPediatrics, e2023062946.

 

Maternal, Perinatal and Fetal Health

Chambers, B. D., Taylor, B., Nelson, T., Harrison, J., Bell, A., O'Leary, A., ... & McLemore, M. R. (2022). Clinicians' perspectives on racism and Black women's maternal healthWomen's Health Reports3(1), 476-482.
Crear-Perry, J., Correa-de-Araujo, R., Lewis Johnson, T., McLemore, M. R., Neilson, E., & Wallace, M. (2021). Social and structural determinants of health inequities in maternal healthJournal of Women's Health30(2), 230-235.
Kramer, M. R., Strahan, A. E., Preslar, J., Zaharatos, J., St Pierre, A., Grant, J. E., ... & Callaghan, W. M. (2019). Changing the conversation: applying a health equity framework to maternal mortality reviewsAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology221(6), 609-e1.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2023. Inclusion of pregnant and lactating persons in clinical trials: Proceedings of a workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

Population and Health

Bundy, J. D., Mills, K. T., He, H., LaVeist, T. A., Ferdinand, K. C., Chen, J., & He, J. (2023). Social determinants of health and premature death among adults in the USA from 1999 to 2018: a national cohort studyThe Lancet Public Health8(6), e422-e431.
McCall, T., Asuzu, K., Oladele, C. R., Leung, T. I., & Wang, K. H. (2022). A socio-ecological approach to addressing digital redlining in the United States: a call to action for health equityFrontiers in Digital Health4, 897250.
Adkins-Jackson, P. B., Chantarat, T., Bailey, Z. D., & Ponce, N. A. (2022). Measuring structural racism: a guide for epidemiologists and other health researchersAmerican Journal of Epidemiology191(4), 539-547.
Ahmed, S., Chase, L. E., Wagnild, J., Akhter, N., Sturridge, S., Clarke, A., ... & Hampshire, K. (2022). Community health workers and health equity in low-and middle-income countries: systematic review and recommendations for policy and practiceInternational Journal for Equity in Health21(1), 49.


Women's, Sexual and Reproductive Health

Alson, J. G., Robinson, W. R., Pittman, L., & Doll, K. M. (2021). Incorporating measures of structural racism into population studies of reproductive health in the United States: a narrative reviewHealth Equity5(1), 49-58.
Chattu, V. K., & Yaya, S. (2020). Emerging infectious diseases and outbreaks: implications for women’s reproductive health and rights in resource-poor settingsReproductive Health17(1), 43.
Decker, M. R., Wood, S. N., Kennedy, S. R., Hameeduddin, Z., Tallam, C., Akumu, I., ... & Glass, N. (2020). Adapting the myPlan safety app to respond to intimate partner violence for women in low- and middle-income country settings: app tailoring and randomized controlled trial protocolBMC Public Health20, 1-13.
Holliday, C. N., Kahn, G., Thorpe, R. J., Shah, R., Hameeduddin, Z., & Decker, M. R. (2020). Racial/ethnic disparities in police reporting for partner violence in the National Crime Victimization Survey and survivor-led interpretationJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities7, 468-480.


 

JHU/BSPH Resources for Staff, Students, and Faculty

 

Service Name & Website PhoneEmailOther methods of contact & additional comments

JHU Office of Institutional Equity

 

410-516-8075oie@jhu.edu

Faculty, students, and staff can file a discrimination or harassment report to OIE, or submit an online complaint , Be aware that certain University employees are required to file reports, including academic administrators, academic advisors, non-confidential employees serving in supervisory roles, department heads and chairs, directors, deans, student affairs staff, OIE staff, faculty, Human Resources personnel, campus safety officers, resident advisors, and athletic coaches. If you choose to share an uncomfortable experience with a University employee, keep in mind that many employees are mandated reporters and must share/report all known information including names of complainant and respondent, any witnesses and any other relevant facts, including the date, time, and location of the misconduct.

When reporting to the University, you may request confidentiality, but the University isn’t obligated to honor this request. For example, if the Vice Provost or Assistant Vice Provost concludes that the allegations suggest a threat to the community, create a hostile environment, or otherwise require responsive action by the University, the request for confidentiality may not be granted.  If the University honors a request for confidentiality, the University’s ability to investigate and respond to the reported misconduct and pursue disciplinary action against the respondent may be limited.

For a PDF that details information on how to report discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation and contact information for how to do so: https://oie.jhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/Discrimination-and-Harassment-Policy-and-Procedures-effective-October-1-2022-Present.pdf

BSPH Student Assistance Programs   This website compiles resources available to students. Go to this website for accessing the Behavioral Health Crisis Support Team (BHCST), mental health services, and the UHS health clinic.
BSPH Student Disability Services  

Student specific: complete an online student application for the university’s Student Disability Services at:

https://hunter.accessiblelearning.com/JHU/ApplicationStudent.aspx

Students, staff and faculty can make a report for disability-related discrimination by contacting the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) at (410) 516-8075, e-mail oie@jhu.edu, or submit an online complaint to OIE.

JHU 24/7 Sexual Assault Hotline410-516-7333 This resource serves all students and trainees. Available 24/7/365. Callers can receive information and support, and discuss options for medical care, counseling, and reporting with professional counselors. Callers can remain anonymous. This helpline rings to the JHU counseling center, but a clinical encounter is not documented.
Johns Hopkins University Behavioral Health Crisis Support Team (BHCST)410-516-WELL (9355)  

The Johns Hopkins University Behavioral Health Crisis Support Team (BHCST) provides immediate assistance to those who need it and, just as importantly, links students, faculty, staff and community members in crisis to ongoing support services in the days and weeks that follow. 

The BHCST pairs experienced, compassionate crisis clinicians with specially trained public safety officers to support individuals in crisis on or immediately surrounding our Baltimore campuses.

Johns Hopkins Employee Support Program (JHEAP)888-978-1262 

Offers JHU employees and their household family members counseling and referral services to help with stress, emotional distress, life transitions and other challenges.

To request counseling sessions: https://jh.eapintake.com/Pages/cca/jh

Employee Assistance Program for emotional support or daily life assistance: 888-978-1262 or online via CCA@YourService
Company Code: JHEAP

Johns Hopkins Medicine Occupational Health Services (OHS) 

410-955-6211

(East Baltimore)

ohsoffice@jhmi.eduPre-employment screening
JHU Safe Zone Program lgbtq@jhu.edu Available to students, staff, and faculty. Offers Safe Zone workshops, which aims “to create a safer and more supportive campus climate for sexual and gender minorities and their allies.” 
Johns Hopkins Health System Corporate Compliance Line

1-844-SPEAK2US  

1-844-773-2528

 

Faculty, staff, and students can report any issues of policy compliance (e.g., workplace violence, faculty/student/staff misconduct, conflicts of interest, ethical or legal concerns) Online reporting form:

https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/65464/index.html

External Resources
Service Name & Website PhoneEmailOther methods of contact & additional comments
JHU OEI List: Confidential Resources   JHU OIE maintains a confidential resources webpage of services available in Baltimore and the surrounding areas. 
Mercy Hospital: bMOREsafe 410-332-9494 

If you desire medical care to support you, you can seek care from Mercy Hospital equipped with a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) program. 

For other hospitals in the Baltimore and Washington DC metro area with SAFE programs, please see https://oie.jhu.edu/confidential-resources/ 

TurnAround443-279-0379 

TurnAround is the rape crisis center for Baltimore City and County that provides counseling and support services to those impacted by sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking.

 

HopeWorks of Howard County410-997-2272 Howard County Maryland’s Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center
The Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) 240-777-4357 Serves Montgomery County 
DC Rape Crisis Center 202-333-RAPE (7273) Serves the Washington DC Metro Area
RAINN800.656.HOPE RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and runs the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 
MCASA: Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
 
  Website provides a complete listing of SAFE Programs and Rape Crisis and Recovery Centers in Maryland, as well as information about MCASA’s comprehensive legal services to survivors of sexual violence statewide
House of Ruth410-889-7884 Comprehensive services for victims of intimate partner violence in Maryland.
National Domestic Violence Hotline1-800-799-7233 24-hour, national, toll-free telephone hotline.  It provides information and assistance to adult and youth victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, family and household members, and other persons such as domestic violence advocates, government officials, law enforcement agencies and the general public.
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence301-429-3601   The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence partners with victim service providers, professional allies, and everyday citizens in order to reduce domestic violence in Maryland. 
Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center (SARC)(410) 836-8430 Assists victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking by providing safe haven, advocacy, resources, and hope in Harford County, Maryland.
No More Global Directory  International Gender-Based Violence Resource Directory
OneLove  Information about intimate partner violence
Loveisrespect  Resource to empower youth to prevent and end dating abuse
Forge

 
  Provides direct services to transgender, gender non-conforming and gender non-binary survivors
Anti-Violence Project212-714-1141 Resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-affected communities and allies
1 in 6  Resource for men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences

Male Survivor

 

  Resource for boys and men who have experienced sexual assault or abuse

PFRH IDARE Committee

Terri Powell

Terrinieka W. Powell

Associate Professor, IDARE Committee Chair 

Saifuddin Ahmed

Saifuddin Ahmed

Professor

Alexis Campbell

Alexis Campbell

Sr. Research Coordinator, PFRH Home Visiting

Carolyn Combs

Carolyn Combs

Financial Manager, Gates Institute

Kayla Lin

Kayla Lin

MSPH Student

Beth Marshall

Associate Professor of Practice

•	Andrea Rodriguez-Villafane

Andrea Rodriguez-Villafane

PhD Student 

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