Diversity & Community Health Equity
UI Health Celebrates Diversity
Inclusion Calendar
UI Health CHAMPIONS
Black History Month
Women's History Month
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Disability Pride & Awareness
National Hispanic Heritage Month
UI Health Honors Native American Heritage Month: Honoring Resilience, Healing, and Heritage
Jewish American Heritage Month
Arab American Heritage Month
Filipino American Heritage Month
UI Health Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: The Power of Service in Advancing Health Equity
This January, UI Health proudly honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by focusing on one of his most enduring teachings: the transformative power of service. In healthcare, service is more than a value—it is a daily commitment to patient dignity, community well-being, and justice. This year’s program highlights how Dr. King’s call to serve continues to shape modern healthcare, and how each of us can turn his vision into tangible impact across UI Health.
Service, Justice & Collective Responsibility in Healthcare
Healthcare plays a critical role in addressing systemic inequities and supporting the communities we serve. Dr. King’s message reminds us that service—grounded in compassion, courage, and shared humanity—is essential to achieving health equity.
Our featured event, “The Power of Service,” explores what meaningful service looks like today: in patient care, community partnerships, health education, and the everyday decisions that advance justice and belonging. This conversation will shine a light on staff and community leaders who are actively creating change through service-driven work.
Featured Event: The Power of Service
- Date: January 29, 2026
- Time: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (CT)
- Location: Hospital Room 1310 or Online via Zoom
- Register today!
Panel Discussion Topics & Speakers
Join a panel of distinguished healthcare and community leaders as they discuss:
- Dr. King’s Legacy in Modern Healthcare: How service, justice, and community uplift intersect with today’s health equity challenges
- Stories of Impact: Real-life examples of service helping bridge gaps in access, quality, and trust
- Community & Clinical Collaboration: How UI Health, UIC, and local partners are advancing health equity through service-focused initiatives
- Practical Ways to Serve: What clinical staff, administrators, and students can do daily to embody Dr. King’s legacy in patient care and community engagement
Confirmed Speakers:
- Dr. Karriem Watson, DHSc, MS, MPH — Executive Director, Mile Square Health Center
- Dr. Lionel Allen, EdD — Interim Vice Chancellor for Equity and Diversity, Clinical Associate Professor, Educational Policy Studies, UIC
- Nick Dotson — Senior Director, Inpatient Psychiatry, Nursing Services, UI Health
- Kelvin Lane, EdD
- Cotis Mitchell (Moderator) — Director, Health Equity, Office of Diversity & Community Health Equity, UI Health.
This session is more than a reflection—it is a call to action. Attendees will walk away with renewed purpose, grounded strategies for service, and inspiration to continue building a healthcare system rooted in justice and compassion.
Event Schedule
- 11:30 AM – 12 PM: Welcome & Arrival
- Opening remarks and a short tribute featuring Dr. King’s words on service and justice
- 12 – 1 PM: Panel Discussion
- Engaging conversation with UI Health, UIC, and community leaders
- 1 – 2:30 PM: Community Celebration & Networking
- Interactive activities, including our Service Pledge Wall, where attendees can share how they will embody Dr. King’s legacy in their daily work
- Grab-and-go lunches will be provided—offering a meaningful opportunity to connect, learn, and reflect.
Our Commitment
At UI Health, we remain steadfast in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and service. Honoring Dr. King’s legacy reminds us that each individual—regardless of title or role—has the power to advance health equity through intentional acts of service.
We invite all staff, clinicians, students, and community partners to join us as we celebrate MLK Jr. Day and strengthen our shared commitment to compassion and justice within healthcare.
For more information or to learn more about our cultural awareness and equity initiatives, contact the Office of Diversity and Community Health Equity at UIHDiversity@uic.edu.
Archives
Read more about how UI Health has honored Dr. King’s legacy through the years.
