May Institute and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Collaborate to Examine Unconscious Bias

The event began with a “fireside chat” between May Institute President and CEO Lauren Solotar, Ph.D., ABPP, and Andrew Dreyfus, CEO of BCBSMA. They explored the importance of diversity and inclusion to their respective organizations and the value of the collaboration between our organizations. The conversation was moderated by Carole Copeland Thomas, a diversity and inclusion consultant.

Keynote speaker Joseph Betancourt, M.D., MPH, Director of The Disparities Solutions Center, discussed differential outcomes in healthcare and human services attributed to unconscious bias.

Breakout sessions included “Abilities and Behavioral Health,” led by Dr. Richard Graff, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA-D, May’s Senior Vice President of Clinical Training and Services. This session examined the impact of unconscious bias on the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for individuals with autism, other developmental disabilities, and behavioral health concerns.

Other sessions included:
 

• “Gender Identify and Sexual Orientation,” which discussed healthcare concerns specific to the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community, specifically the need for equitable, knowledgeable, sensitive and welcoming healthcare, free from discrimination.
   
• “Intergenerational Diversity,” which looked at the health habits of the millennial, baby boomer, and silent generations to help providers, clinicians, and staff members develop relationships with individuals of different generations and create the best possible outcomes for all individuals.
   
• “Race/Ethnicity/Culture,” which reviewed techniques, trends, and takeaways vital to the enhanced outcome of equity and cross-cultural understanding.