December 20, 2007

Diversity events ring in the season

The MGH Patient Care Services (PCS) Diversity Committee hosted two of its popular annual events Dec. 13: a "Holidays Around the World" information table in the Main Corridor and the HAVEN (Hospitals Helping Abuse and Violence End Now) gift drive in the East Garden Room.

Staffed by PCS volunteers, the table showcased decorations, information and treats representing the holidays of Chanukah, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Hajj, Kwanzaa, the winter solstice, Diwali and several Native
American traditions. Says Olako Agburu, MPH, administrative fellow, "Coming
to Boston from California, I never expected to experience such a commitment to diversity as I have at the MGH."

PCS Diversity Committee volunteers Yulhander Revere, RN, and Agburu

Meanwhile, presents were piled high at the annual HAVEN gift drive to provide toys and necessities to local families in need. Typically an initiative that benefits the clients of HAVEN, the event this year also served families referred by social workers at the MGH's main campus and the Charlestown HealthCare Center. In all, 143 families were "adopted" by MGHers — the largest number ever. The effort was driven entirely by word of mouth, often with whole departments or patient care floors coming together to provide every item on a family's wish list. Many individuals adopted families as well. Through the coordination of PCS, Materials Management, Nutrition and Food Services, Partners Transportation and others, the packages were sent out to provide holiday cheer to many.

For more information about the PCS Diversity Committee, contact Carly Jean-Francois, RN, at cjeanfrancois@partners.org or access www2.massgeneral.org/pcs/prof_div.asp.