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Impacts at OHSU
Stadum spent 17 years at OHSU from 1999 to 2016, and his return comes at a time when the health care giant is inching closer to a merger with Legacy Health, while also dealing with large, unexpected swings in federal policy under the new administration.
He said the cuts proposed at NIH would be significant for OHSU, pointing to an ongoing universal flu vaccine project as an example.The idea is to develop a one-size-fits-all vaccine that works against every flu strain, avoiding the “whack-a-mole” game that scientists have to play every year when new flu variants inevitably pop up.
“This kind of research only happens at institutions like OHSU and scientific institutions across the country as it’s not yet proven to be working in humans. and so that process from concept to trial is quite involved, and it requires that kind of federal funding,” he said. “And the United states has led the world — America should be very proud of our scientific research.”
OHSU Faces Uncertainty Amid Trump administration’s Funding Cuts and Policy Changes
Table of Contents
- Interview with shari Dunn on DEI Policies and Her New Book “Qualified”
- Q: Can you explain what DEI policies are and why they are importent in today’s workplace?
- Q: What are some common misconceptions about DEI policies that you address in your book?
- Q: You mentioned that DEI policies are facing challenges. Can you elaborate on that?
- Q: Your book, “Qualified,” aims to shed light on these issues. What message do you hope readers will take away from it?
- Q: Where can readers learn more about your work and purchase your book?
Oregon health & Science University (OHSU) is grappling with significant challenges posed by the Trump administration’s proposed funding cuts and executive orders. These developments could severely impact the hospital’s ability to provide care and conduct critical medical research.
Funding Cuts and Their Implications
OHSU receives approximately $900 million annually in research funding from various sources, including private foundations, medical societies, and philanthropic funding. Federal funding constitutes about a third of this total, with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) contributing around $75-85 million. The proposed cuts to NIH funding have raised alarms among hospital leaders, who fear these reductions could cripple medical research efforts.
Table: OHSU Funding Breakdown
| Source of Funding | Amount (Annually) |
|—————————-|——————|
| Total Research Funding | $900 million |
| Federal Funding | $300 million |
| NIH Share | $75-85 million |
| Private Foundations, etc. | Remaining |
The potential impact of these cuts on patient care is still unclear, but hospital leaders are concerned about proposed reductions in Medicaid funding. Medicaid, along with Medicare and the uninsured, are OHSU’s highest priority patients. If these cuts materialize, it will be extremely challenging for patients to receive the care they need.
impact on Transgender Health Programs
Another concerning growth is a Trump administration executive order that prohibits gender-affirming medical care for minors. OHSU currently operates a transgender health program for children and teens. In response to this order, Oregon Attorney general Dan Rayfield has joined a multi-state lawsuit to block the administration’s changes.
Confusion and apprehension Among Staff and Patients
The uncertainty and confusion caused by these policy changes have been “very scary” for patients, families, and staff at OHSU. Despite these challenges, the hospital continues to provide care.However, the administration’s orders empowering Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have added to the apprehension within the OHSU community.
DEI Misconceptions
The term “DEI” frequently enough refers to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, which are crucial for fostering an inclusive habitat. Misconceptions about DEI can hinder progress in creating a more equitable healthcare system.
OHSU’s resilience in the face of these challenges underscores the importance of robust healthcare systems and the need for complete, evidence-based policies. As the situation evolves,it is indeed crucial to stay informed and engaged with the developments affecting healthcare and research institutions.
For more information on OHSU’s response to these challenges, visit the OHSU website.
Stay tuned for updates on how these developments unfold and their potential impact on healthcare and research.
Unraveling the Misconceptions Surrounding DEI Policies
In the wake of recent national events, the topic of Diversity, Equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies has taken center stage. Though, there is a growing misconception about what these policies actually entail and their true purpose. Shari Dunn, an expert on DEI, has shed light on the misconceptions and the importance of these policies in creating an inclusive workplace.
What DEI Policies Really Mean
DEI policies aim to ensure that opportunities are available to those who have historically been marginalized. These policies are designed to make workplaces more inclusive once these individuals are hired. “What people are talking about — what they think it means — is something very different from what it actually is,” Dunn explained. “What people think it is a series of preferences, or people who are unqualified or things of that nature, getting jumped ahead of positions and jobs — and that is just simply untrue.”
Common DEI Policies and Their Benefits
Several policies have become more common in recent years as part of DEI initiatives. These include child care support, accommodations for people with disabilities, and making time off available for both new mothers and fathers. These policies not only help attract a diverse workforce but also foster an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
The impact of Misinformation
Misguided perceptions of DEI policies have led to controversial statements from high-profile figures.For instance, shortly after a tragic plane and helicopter crash near Washington DC that claimed 67 lives, a prominent figure blamed the crash on DEI policies.Dunn condemned this statement as reckless and outrageous, emphasizing that it cast unfair suspicion on people with disabilities.
Shifting Public Opinion
A recent Pew Research Poll revealed a downward trend in opinions toward workplace DEI policies, although they still enjoy support from a majority of Americans. Dunn attributed this shift to “a decade of messaging” from organizations that have been pushing back against inclusive policies. “It started with affirmative action, saying affirmative action was unqualified, and then it went to inclusive workplaces, and now, it’s DEI,” she said.
Upcoming Book and Event
Dunn’s forthcoming book,“Qualified,” releases on February 25,2025. She will present the book at a special event at Powell’s Books on the same day. The event will feature a conversation with Lisa Mensah, the CEO of the Oregon Community Foundation.
Key Points Summary
| Aspect of DEI Policies | Description |
|———————–|————-|
| Purpose | Ensuring opportunities for historically marginalized groups and fostering an inclusive workplace. |
| Common Policies | Child care support, accommodations for disabilities, parental leave for both mothers and fathers. |
| Misconceptions | DEI policies are often mistakenly perceived as preferential treatment or unqualified hiring.|
| Public opinion | While still supported by a majority, opinions have trended downward due to decade-long messaging against inclusive policies. |
| Upcoming event | Book launch and discussion at Powell’s Books with Lisa Mensah. |
DEI policies are crucial for creating a fair and inclusive workplace. By addressing misconceptions and promoting understanding, we can move towards a more equitable future. For more insights, consider reading Dunn’s upcoming book “Qualified” and attending her book launch event.
Buy “Qualified” and get your tickets for the book launch today!
Trump Administration’s Sweeping Layoffs Impact Federal Workers and Power Grid
The trump administration has initiated a wave of layoffs among federal workers, a move that is expected to have significant implications for both the government’s budget and the reliability of critical infrastructure, notably in the Pacific Northwest. The layoffs,which primarily target probationary workers,are part of a broader effort to reduce government spending. However, experts argue that these cuts may not yield substantial savings and could compromise essential services.
Layoffs Across Federal Agencies
The layoffs are affecting various federal agencies, with a notable impact on the Department of Defense, Homeland security, and Veterans Affairs. According to a report by the Congressional Budget Office, the government spends approximately $271 billion annually on civilian federal workers, with a significant portion going to these departments. The layoffs are unlikely to result in significant deficit savings, as the government’s compensation costs are spread across a wide range of services and programs [1[1[1[1].
Impact on the power Grid
One of the most concerning aspects of these layoffs is their impact on the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a self-funded entity in the Pacific Northwest that controls over 75% of the region’s high-voltage transmission lines. BPA manages the flow of electricity from 31 federal dams and one nuclear power plant. The layoffs include hundreds of workers, with BPA poised to lose around 20% of its workforce [2[2[2[2].The layoffs at BPA have raised serious concerns about the reliability of the power grid. The administration’s actions have led to the departure of over 600 electricians, scientists, and cybersecurity experts.These professionals are crucial for maintaining the infrastructure and ensuring the smooth operation of the power grid [3[3[3[3].
Summary of Key Impacts
To better understand the scope of these layoffs and their potential consequences, let’s summarize the key points in the following table:
| Agency | Number of Layoffs | Potential impact |
|—————–|——————-|————————————————|
| Department of Defense | N/A | Significant budgetary savings unlikely |
| Homeland Security | N/A | Potential disruption of essential services |
| Veterans Affairs | N/A | Possible reduction in service quality |
| Bonneville power administration | 600+ | Increased risk to power grid reliability |
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s sweeping layoffs of federal workers have sparked concerns about the long-term viability of critical government services and infrastructure. While the administration aims to reduce government spending, the layoffs may not yield significant savings and could compromise the quality and reliability of essential services, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. As the impact of these layoffs continues to unfold, it is crucial to monitor the effects on both federal operations and the broader community.
For more insights into the layoffs at BPA and their implications for the power grid, read this related article.
Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in this ongoing story.
Interview with shari Dunn on DEI Policies and Her New Book “Qualified”
Shari Dunn is an author, speaker, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Her new book, “Qualified,” explores the misconceptions surrounding DEI policies and their crucial role in creating a fair and inclusive work environment. we sat down with dunn to discuss her insights on DEI, the challenges it faces, and the importance of her new book.
Q: Can you explain what DEI policies are and why they are importent in today’s workplace?
A: DEI policies are designed to ensure equal opportunities for historically marginalized groups and foster a more inclusive workplace for everyone. They aim to create a level playing field where individuals are judged based on their skills and qualifications, not their race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics. These policies can take many forms,including things like child care support,accommodations for disabilities,parental leave for both mothers and fathers,and training programs to promote cultural sensitivity and awareness.
Q: What are some common misconceptions about DEI policies that you address in your book?
A: One of the biggest misconceptions is that DEI policies are about preferential treatment or giving unqualified individuals jobs. This is simply not true. DEI policies are about creating a fair and equitable system where everyone has an equal chance to succeed. Another misconception is that DEI is only about hiring practices. while hiring is certainly an important aspect, DEI encompasses the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to training, promotion, and retention.
Q: You mentioned that DEI policies are facing challenges. Can you elaborate on that?
A: Absolutely. Despite growing awareness and support, DEI policies often encounter resistance. Some argue that they are unneeded or even reverse discrimination. Others believe they are too costly or complex to implement. These arguments often stem from a lack of understanding about the benefits of DEI. Studies have shown that diverse and inclusive workplaces are more innovative,productive,and profitable. Yet, these benefits are often overlooked.
Q: Your book, “Qualified,” aims to shed light on these issues. What message do you hope readers will take away from it?
A: My hope is that readers will gain a deeper understanding of DEI policies, challenge their preconceived notions, and recognize the importance of creating inclusive workplaces. I want to empower individuals to become advocates for DEI and contribute to building a more equitable future.Ultimately, “Qualified” is a call to action.It’s a reminder that everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed,nonetheless of their background or identity.
Q: Where can readers learn more about your work and purchase your book?
A: Readers can learn more about my work and purchase my book, “qualified,” at thesharidunn.com/buy-now. I’m also excited to announce that I’ll be hosting a book launch event at Powell’s Books on February 25, 2025. Join me for a conversation with Lisa mensah,CEO of the Oregon Community Foundation. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com/e/shari-dunn-book-launch-qualified-tickets-1109314021099?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Shari Dunn’s insights provide valuable perspectives on the complexities of DEI policies and the importance of creating inclusive workplaces. Her book, “Qualified,” serves as a timely reminder that fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential for building a fairer and more equitable society.