Garden State Equality Education Fund Welcomes Barbara Y. Graham of Hackensack Meridian Health to the Board

The Garden State Equality Education Fund is pleased to announce the appointment of Barbara Y. Graham, M.S., B.S. to its board.

Graham has served for seven years as a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Generalist at Hackensack Meridian Health, where her work includes developing training programs about LGBTQ+ inclusion, implementation of inclusive policies and practices, and improving the healthcare network’s efforts to collect data on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).

We are thrilled that Barbara is joining the Garden State Equality Education Fund Board and will support their vital initiatives,’’ said Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health.

“Barbara plays a major role in our robust and comprehensive strategies to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and her tremendous contributions are helping the network live its mission to transform health care.”

In 2020, Graham was a major contributor in nine of Hackensack Meridian Health’s network hospitals receiving “Leader” and “Top Performer” status from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and team members..

“In many ways, New Jersey leads the country when it comes to LGBTQ+ equality, but healthcare access, LGBTQ+ competency among healthcare providers, and SOGI data collection are still very real issues that our communities face,” said Graham. “I look forward to becoming part of the Garden State Equality team as we advance our shared goal of addressing health and wellness disparities among the LGBTQ+ population in New Jersey.”

“Barbara has worked closely with Garden State Equality for several years as a staunch ally of equality in healthcare,” said Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality. “She has contributed to closing the gap in healthcare services for the LGBTQ+ community in New Jersey, and her unwavering support of the LGBTQ+ community should be a model for others who want to stand for equality in the healthcare space.”

The Garden State Equality Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that works to advance lived equality through training, education, and community organizing in schools, health & wellness facilities, and workplaces.