Inclusion. Making it Whole. 

Merriam-Webster’s first definition of the word ‘include’ is: “to take in or comprise as a part of a whole or group.” 

Simple, right? We just combine different pieces or people into one thing or group and call it done. Unfortunately, in the real world, the understanding and application of the concept of inclusion is anything BUT simple.  

Why Can’t it Be Easy? 

The personal meaning of inclusion is different for every human being. Because…well…every human being is different. 

We come together in many ways—because of shared hobbies, culture, values, geography, profession, goals, emotional needs, and more. But inclusion means more than just coming together—it means “taking in.” That means listening, respecting, and importantly, valuing the different perspectives that truly enable those “parts” to contribute to the “whole” through the collaboration of diverse ideas and thoughts. 

Inclusion can be complicated, and perhaps even at times, difficult. But inclusion doesn’t have to be impossible. 

The CHIME Community 

Members of CHIME, professionals, and leaders in digital health and healthcare IT often join together as a whole for a reason, or multiple reasons. Many share career or professional development goals. Many have a similar vision for what healthcare can and should be. They may share a dedication to values that develop and grow impactful leaders in the industry. Perhaps they have the same passion and desire to solve problems and build solutions together. Or, maybe they crave the innovation and change necessary to impact positive growth.  

This week, as we focus on the theme of INCLUSION, we are thankful that so many of the Members and partners of the CHIME community have united with a shared mission to take action and maintain focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare, and specifically, in healthcare IT. 

As Cletis Earle, Co-Chair of CHIME’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, stated in a recent conversation with Russ Branzell, “Inclusion is bringing diverse communities to the table to help build solutions to the problems that we are having as a society.” 

At CHIME, we are not creating one community of individuals. We are nurturing a community of many communities with diverse opinions, backgrounds, visions, characteristics, personalities, and more.  These diverse communities are choosing to unite as one because they share a belief that together, as a WHOLE, we will successfully build solutions to benefit our society, our industry, and our world, not just for the better, but for the best. 

Keep Going. 

There is no simple definition for inclusion. There is no easy formula. There is no finish line to track to. 

There are, however, leaders who are dedicated to addressing challenges and complications, opening minds, guiding change, celebrating differences and learning from them, and championing acceptance in order to unite for a common cause.  

Thank YOU for being those leaders. 

Next week’s Theme is EDUCATION.  If you would like to participate in CHIME’s 30th Anniversary Celebration, submit your blog post, story, or article today! Email submissions to Katie at [email protected].