We know that most people hold biases, of various kinds, about other people. Many people voice their biases with words, expressions and “jokes” without any awareness of how their words impact those around them. Health care providers are no different from other people in this regard – they hold and express biases and stereotypes about other people. What sets health care providers apart from other people in regard to bias is that the nature of their work can make the consequences of their bias a matter of life and death.

The health care sector is just starting to understand the powerful impact that bias can have on health outcomes. The Center is developing and implementing a program to address and intervene in bias and harassment in Maine’s hospitals. In the process, we are building a model for how hospitals can ensure that their environments are healing places for everyone.