At Quest Diagnostics, our vision is “Empowering better health with diagnostic insights.” Our goal is to make this a healthier world – not just for some, but for all. As we near the two-year anniversary of the pandemic, I thought now would a good time to share the progress we’ve made to be a more inclusive, diverse, and socially responsible company. I am especially proud of the tangible efforts we made in 2021 to begin to reduce healthcare disparities and structural inequities in underserved communities.
It is fitting that we take stock of our accomplishments during February, Black History Month, which focuses this year on health and wellness. This is the time to celebrate the many contributions of Black innovators, healthcare pioneers, politicians, scientists, artists, activists, and civil rights leaders.
At Quest, we have a culture that values inclusion and diversity and reflects the makeup of our workforce. Of our 50,000 colleagues, 56% are people of color and 72% are female.
We have made significant strides to strengthen the role of inclusion and diversity within the company.
After the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, we inaugurated a series of powerful – and sometimes difficult -- conversations on racial justice to make sure everyone – especially Black colleagues and other people of color – was well aware that Quest does not tolerate hate or racism in any form.
When COVID-19 hit, we saw firsthand the disproportionate and devastating impact the pandemic was having on underserved communities. We wanted to do something meaningful to help. So, in late 2020 we established Quest for Health Equity (Q4HE), with a commitment of more than $100 million in financial and testing resources. Last year we funded 18 partnerships investing nearly $20 million. Two examples are:
As we’ve said in the past, we will be judged by our actions, not our words. We’ve done so much, and today Quest is more inclusive, diverse, and responsive to community needs than it has ever been. But of course, there’s so much more work to be done.
Quest is a quality company with a big heart at the center of our culture. We should all be very proud of our progress.
Thank you for all you do every day to support patients and customers.
Steve