Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Statement

Veterans Care Centers of Oregon recognizes that some veterans and their families may experience barriers to accessing healthcare, long-term care or supportive services. We are committed to identifying and reducing those barriers whenever possible. We are committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) through intentional leadership, equitable practices, culturally responsive care, and an organizational culture grounded in dignity, respect, belonging, and service.

We define equity as providing fair access to services, opportunities, accommodations and support based on individual needs while treating every person with dignity and respect.

As the organization entrusted with operating Oregon’s State Veterans Homes, VCCO is dedicated to providing exceptional, person-centered care that honors the service and sacrifices of our nation’s Veterans while supporting their spouses, families, employees, volunteers, and community partners. We believe every individual deserves to be treated with compassion, respect, fairness, and dignity, regardless of background, identity, ability, culture, beliefs, or life experiences.

Our commitment to DEIA is reflected in our governance, leadership, workforce/board development, resident care, organizational practices, strategic partnerships, communications, and continuous quality improvement efforts. Through responsible stewardship, collaboration, and innovation, we strive to remove barriers, strengthen access to quality care, foster meaningful engagement, and create environments where every resident, family member, employee, volunteer, and visitor feels welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered.

Guiding Principles

Veterans Care Centers of Oregon is committed to:

• Fostering a welcoming, safe, accessible, and inclusive environment where Veterans, residents, families, employees, volunteers, and visitors are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
• Building and sustaining a workforce that reflects professionalism, compassion, integrity, respect, collaboration, continuous learning and appreciation for the diverse experiences and those we serve.
• Recruiting, hiring, developing and retaining high quality employees through fair, inclusive and merit-based employment practices.
• Ensuring equitable, person-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and accessible care that recognizes and respects the unique experiences, cultures, identities, and military service of each Veteran.
• Promoting accessibility throughout our facilities, communications, technology, policies, programs, and services to reduce barriers and improve participation for all.
• Partnering with residents, families, Veteran Service Organizations, governmental agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, volunteers, and community organizations to strengthen the quality of care and enrich the lives of those we serve.
• We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining highly qualified employees and leaders whose knowledge, integrity, compassion and commitment to excellence enable us to provide outstanding care to every Veteran.
• Supporting leadership and organizational practices that promote fairness, accountability, transparency, continuous learning, and continuous quality improvement.
• Respecting the diverse experiences of Veterans from every era of military service while recognizing the unique needs of aging Veterans, Veterans with disabilities, and those living with complex physical, behavioral health, cognitive, or social challenges.
• Measuring our progress through ongoing evaluation of policies, practices, workforce initiatives, resident outcomes, satisfaction, and organizational performance to ensure continuous improvement in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and organizational excellence.

Veterans Care Centers of Oregon believes thatorganizations are strongest when they encourage respectful dialogue, welcome differing experiences and perspectives and unite around a shared mission of serving veterans. Inclusive cultures build trust, accessibility expands opportunity, and equity helps every individual achieve their highest quality of life. These principles guide our governance, leadership, decision-making, and daily operations as we fulfill our mission of honoring Veterans through exceptional care, responsible stewardship, and unwavering service to those who have served our nation -truly creating the place where honor lives.