Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We are proud to share that TMHA's own Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee was officially formed in January 2021, consisting of about 20 TMHA staff members ranging between Directors and Direct Service Staff and led by TMHA board member, Joy Pedersen. This committee is dedicated to identifying and addressing the intersections between mental health and all forms of systemic oppression. We are tasked with recommending and implementing necessary improvements to our organization to ensure we meet the standards of equity our community deserves.  While the committee is still in the early stages of developing an action plan, we look forward to sharing our progress with you all. ​ 

In the summer of 2022, TMHA conducted a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Survey. Data from the survey indicated that many employees do not report discriminatory events for a variety of reasons. In order to understand the types of biases and microaggressions staff experience, close the gap between issues that occur and issues that are reported, and foster a more welcoming and inclusive workplace through prevention and education, the Identity-based Incident Reporting Form was created. Staff, clients, vendors, and community members can report incidents of identity-based harm, such as microaggressions, through the Identity-based Incident Reporting Form. Identity-based harm includes actions that automatically or unintentionally stereotype, exclude, show bias, disrespect, or diminish the value of anyone in our community based on their identity (such as race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity, or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion). Identity-based harm may affect one’s ability to thrive, as well as their psychological safety and well-being.

Reporting Tools & Resources

For more information or to report an incident of identity-based harm, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IdentityBasedIncident. 

 If you feel you have been mistreated, harassed, or discriminated or retaliated against in violation of TMHA’s Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation Prevention policy, please contact your supervisor or Human Resources Director, or utilize the TMHA Compliance Line (833-290-0001 or reports@lighthouse-services.com (must mention “TMHA” in email )

If you are interested in learning more about TMHA’s DEI Committee please reach out to Alley Jensen, DEI Committee Chair at ajensen@t-mha.org

Committee Reports

2024 DEI Survey Report

//storage.googleapis.com/t-mha-org/uploads/DEI 2023 Survey Report.pdf

Identity-Based Harm Reporting Follow-Up Log

https://bit.ly/IndetityBasedHarmFollowUpLog

2021 TMHA Internal Diversity and Equity Audit Report

View the Internal Diversity and Equity Audit Report here.

The DEI Committee conducted an internal diversity and equity audit and met with 14 focus groups to evaluate diversity, equity, and inclusion within Transitions-Mental Health Association. The report outlines the five themes that emerged as areas for growth and recommendations. The themes are:

• Recruit and hire more diverse applicants
• Build trust with senior leadership
• Create a more welcoming and inclusive environment
• Increase staff support, especially in Santa Barbara County
• Increase accessibility of services, especially offering more Spanish-language services.

The DEI Committee is prioritizing the recommendations in the report and will begin working on implementation in the months ahead.

Links for Learning