Newark NJ, (June 2, 2021) -- Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, has appointed its first Chief Equity Officer. The new role is part of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to become an anti-racist organization, which includes implementing policies and hiring practices that foster equity and inclusion.
Atiya Jaha-Rashidi, RN, MHA, will serve as the hospital’s first-ever Chief Equity Officer and Vice President of Community Relations.
Ms. Rashidi has more than 24 years of experience leading and coordinating community outreach initiatives at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, where she has held numerous leadership roles, including Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Director of Patient Experience and Interim VP of Community Relations.
“I am proud of the work we have done at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center to create diverse, equitable and inclusive environments. This new position creates an opportunity to focus with even greater precision on racism and its disproportionate impact on the communities we serve,” said Darrell K. Terry, Sr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. “Ms. Rashidi brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and passion to her role that will certainly propel us forward in our efforts to address the effects of racism.”
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center ranks #4 in the nation for racial inclusivity according to a recent report issued by the Lown Institute, a nonpartisan health care think tank. The national ranking highlights hospitals that are especially effective at serving people of color who live in the surrounding community.
In her new role, Ms. Rashidi will oversee the development and implementation of employee and community initiatives that foster equity. In addition, she will continue to develop strong community partnerships with the aim of improving population health and reducing health care disparities.
“It is important that we are intentional about eliminating the disparities that exist within our health care system. I am excited to move forward as we work to create the policies that will transform our health care delivery system for generations to come,” said Atiya-Jaha Rashidi, RN, MHA, Chief Equity Officer and Vice President of Community Relations.
Ms. Rashidi is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Administration from Rutgers University and a Master of Healthcare Administration from University of Arizona Global Campus.
To learn more about the RWJBarnabas Health Ending Racism Together initiative visit: https://www.rwjbh.org/why-rwjbarnabas-health-/ending-racism/
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is a 665-bed regional care teaching hospital that provides comprehensive health care. Newark Beth Israel is a Top Teaching Hospital and home to one of the nation’s top 15 heart transplant centers, which has performed more than 1,100 heart transplants. NBI has been designated a World’s Best Hospital-USA by Newsweek and has six consecutive “A” grades for safety from The Leapfrog Group. The hospital has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for acute coronary syndrome, congestive heart failure and ventricular assist device and is nationally accredited by the Commission on Cancer. Newark Beth Israel is home to RWJBarnabas Health’s Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Program; New Jersey’s only Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Program and a Valve Center that performs complex cardiac valve procedures, including minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVRs). Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is also home to Children’s Hospital of New Jersey (CHoNJ), which cares for children from birth through adolescence, with more than 30 specialized pediatric services including New Jersey’s largest Valerie Fund Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders; and the Children’s Heart Center that offers a complete range of medical and surgical treatments for the most complex cardiac abnormalities. The Newark Beth Israel robotic surgery program is the most experienced in northern New Jersey. RWJBarnabas Health and The Frederick B. Cohen, MD, Comprehensive Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey Breast Health Center, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey - the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center - brings a world class team of researchers and specialists to fight alongside you, providing close-to-home access to the latest treatment and clinical trials. Newark Beth Israel also offers many preventive health programs that promote wellness in the community, including The Beth Greenhouse, which provides access to fresh produce and health and wellness education to local residents.
Media Contact: Linda Kamateh
Email: linda.kamateh@rwjbh.org
Phone: 862-212-2013