Howard Roddy, vice president, advocacy and health community, CHI Memorial, was presented the Diversity Champion Award by the Tennessee Hospital Association.
The Diversity Champion Award recognizes people whose contributions include workplace diversity and inclusion, and who demonstrate a commitment to a diverse workforce. Mr. Roddy was honored for more than 30 years of service devoted to opening doors for diverse populations by providing greater access to health care, work opportunities and education.
"Through CHI Memorial’s Diversity Committee, Mr.
Roddy has helped create awareness among employees of other cultures. An Envision Diversity program helped employees increase respect for diversity in the workplace and among patients.
"In his role at CHI Memorial, Mr. Roddy always is looking at ways to strengthen access to primary care in underserved areas. In one area, he partnered with the health department by providing additional funding for nursing care and health screenings at already established facilities. In an effort to reduce chronic diseases in minorities, Mr. Roddy was instrumental in creating the first Minority Health Fair in 1999 in an area that has a 75% minority population.
"In addition, Mr. Roddy was involved with the formation of Project Access, which provides coordinated charity medical care for uninsured individuals living on fixed or low incomes in Hamilton County. As a member of the Regional Health Council, he has had an integral role in the $133 million of donated healthcare services since the program began," officials said.
Mr. Roddy received a bachelor’s degree from Austin Peay State University and a master’s degree from East Tennessee State University.
Mr. Roddy was one of 26 individuals honored during THA’s recent 77th annual meeting. Awards were presented in 14 categories, recognizing contributions of everyone from hospital volunteers and frontline staff to trustees and executives.