Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Hosts Poverty Simulation Sessions to Promote DEI
November 19, 2023
Categories: Diversity Equity and Inclusion
More than 160 colleagues representing various disciplines in the organization participated in the three-hour program.
Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic (THMA) hosted poverty simulation exercises for colleagues at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne, PA, Nazareth Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Upper Darby, PA, and St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington, DE. The two simulation exercises were designed to educate colleagues on the challenges and barriers faced by those who are experiencing poverty.
More than 160 colleagues representing various disciplines in the organization participated in the three-hour program. Upon entry into the simulation, participants assumed the role of someone facing poverty and had to actively navigate the world through the lens of having limited resources. Every 15 minutes of time during the event equated to a week of daily living activities including, but not limited to, going to work, attending school, food shopping, visiting the doctor, etc. They had to make decisions on how to meet and maintain their basic human needs and not only survive but actually thrive over the course of four weeks (i.e., one month). The sessions culminated with a 60-minute debrief discussion about how the simulation impacted the participants and how it helped them to better understand the realities of poverty.
More than 160 colleagues representing various disciplines in the organization participated in the three-hour program. Upon entry into the simulation, participants assumed the role of someone facing poverty and had to actively navigate the world through the lens of having limited resources. Every 15 minutes of time during the event equated to a week of daily living activities including, but not limited to, going to work, attending school, food shopping, visiting the doctor, etc. They had to make decisions on how to meet and maintain their basic human needs and not only survive but actually thrive over the course of four weeks (i.e., one month). The sessions culminated with a 60-minute debrief discussion about how the simulation impacted the participants and how it helped them to better understand the realities of poverty.