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The Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) Council

HEDI is fundamental to ongoing DHS efforts to center the mission, vision, and values of the Office of Health Equity (OHE) in our work.

Close up image of the Wisconsin State Capitol

The Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) Council is a group of equity-driven members who are working to provide analysis, insights, and recommendations to DHS on internal and external policies, programs, and projects related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and affirmative action. HEDI is made up of members from each division and office at DHS who can provide expertise and recommendations to help inform the work.

HEDI is charged with the following tasks:

Charge 1: Oversee the implementation of the DHS Equity and Inclusion Plan, including:

  • Review the comprehensive workforce analysis to establish goals/strategies/techniques to promote a culture of inclusion.
  • Analyze and identify strategies to increase diversity of DHS leadership.

Charge 2: Meet requirements of affirmative action under Chapter 230.

  • As required under Wis. Stat. § 230.06 (1) (j), advise the secretary concerning programs designed to ensure equal opportunity to all employees, applicants for employment and clients of the agency.

Charge 3: Request and vote to select (and revise as needed) up to three recommended budget proposals from non-committee members for submission to the Office of the Secretary for consideration in the DHS budget.

  • For example: recommended a budget proposal to increase division-led training for DHS staff on health equity goals.
  • We encourage budget proposals that are cross-divisional in nature and/or further the DHS Equity Pillars.

Charge 4: Request and vote to select (and revise as needed) up to three items related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) a year for the committee to analyze and review in order to provide formal and direct recommendations or materials to the department.

  • For example: projects, initiatives, policies, or programs that can move DEI work forward.

Charge 5: Support education and training on diversity, equity and inclusion by:

  • Identifying trainings for the DHS executive management and all staff related to racial equity and health equity.
  • Recommending trainings and resources for external stakeholders, such as health care providers, pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with Office of the Secretary goals.

Read the full 2021-2022 HEDI Annual Report and view the 2022 HEDI Annual Meeting presentation.

The resources listed and linked below are pertaining to the 2022 HEDI Council Report.

  • E&I Plan—The Equity and Inclusion (E&I) Plan provides a high-level overview of DHS’s commitment to centering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our recruitment, retention, and agency culture policies, programs, and practices through 2023.
  • Charge 5 Training Validation Worksheet & Checklist—High-level Worksheet & Checklist that DHS managers can use to gather information and validate a DEI training.

Under HEDI's bylaws, HEDI Meetings are subject to Wisconsin's open meetings law, which means anyone in the general public can watch and submit public comments. This ensures the work of HEDI is transparent while also encouraging participation from the public. All meetings and related materials are posted to Wisconsin Public Meeting Notices & Minutes.

Disclaimer about advisory council content

This content reflects the views and opinions of the advisory council. It may not reflect the official policy or position of DHS.

Last revised April 12, 2024