In a previous message (accessible to UC Davis Health affiliates) to UC Davis Health employees and students, we shared the name change announcement for the Office for Health Equity by Design for Inclusive Excellence.
In alignment with UC Davis Health’s “Believe in Better” and grounded in our commitment to dignity, respect, and community (Principles of Community), the word “Design” in our new name, is more than aesthetic choice — it signals that our work toward health equity for all is conducted systematically, lawfully, and with intention (ie. by Design).
By design means we structure our programs, policies, and operations so that fairness is built into every step — from hiring practices that reflect the residents of our local community to resources and supports (in an effort to) remove barriers to care. It also signals that as we work towards equity, we remain in compliance with legal frameworks — for example, abiding by Proposition 209, which prohibits preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment or contracting.
By design also means we do not leave equity to chance – we engage our employee, student, and local communities to measure outcomes, reflect and course-correct, and embed inclusive practices into how we implement our goals and our work.
By putting “Design” front and center, we affirm that advancing health equity isn’t incidental — it’s our blueprint. That means every policy, program, activity, and/or partnership is crafted with purpose so that we achieve our vision of a thriving beloved community rooted in health, equity, and belonging for all.
Hendry Ton, M.D., M.S.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity by Design for Inclusive Excellence - HEDI
