Starlight's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative

In 2020, Starlight announced our Commitment for Change - an equity, diversity, and inclusion initiative to deliver Starlight programs to more medically underserved and vulnerable populations.

This initiative has been an organization priority as we continuously work to ensure that Starlight's programs are being delivered to those that need them the most.

Thus far, we have completed the following:

• Contacted more than 100 hospitals in medically underserved and vulnerable population regions that were not active in Starlight’s partner network so they could get access to Starlight programs free of charge.

• Increased Gift In-Kind items featuring books and board games in languages other than English from major corporate donors.

• Ongoing work with our hospital partners to identify how we could better design and distribute our programs to underserved and vulnerable communities.

• Diversified our Board and staff by gender and ethnicity and changed our recruiting process to ensure it is equitable across applicants and colleagues.

• Created an internal committee focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion - a safe environment for staff to come together to review topics and discuss ideas on how Starlight can be more inclusive and diverse.

Who are Starlight Programs currently impacting?

• 47.2% of the patient population positively impacted by Starlight programs identify as non-white

• 62% of the medical facilities receiving Starlight programs are serving high poverty populations

• 38.2% of the patients Starlight serves benefit from Medicare/Medicaid services