University Hospitals Named for the Ninth Time as One of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere

CLEVELAND – University Hospitals has been recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies.

This is the ninth year University Hospitals has received this recognition and is one of only seven honorees in the health care providers’ category. In 2021, 135 honorees were recognized spanning 22 countries and 47 industries. The award underscores an ongoing institutional commitment to lead with integrity and prioritize ethical business practices.

“The past year has been a challenging experience for our health system, our community, the nation and the world,” said Cliff Megerian, MD, Chief Executive Officer of UH. “Healthcare providers were asked to answer the call following the outbreak of COVID-19, and I am extremely proud of the way our people at UH stepped up with courage and compassion to deliver testing, vaccines and care for patients. Our caregivers maintained high professional and ethical standards as they delivered the highest quality care to our patients and became a beacon of hope for our community.”

UH highlighted several programs to Ethisphere to demonstrate its commitment to integrity and social responsibility. At its core, UH promotes a culture based on values and ethics. That culture is supported by a robust compliance and ethics program committed to continuous improvement. In the recent past, UH has enhanced its enterprise risk management program, improved management of relationships of interest, and increased compliance counseling services. Further, UH continues to foster a Speak-Up Culture by reinforcing the message that every caregiver in every role is empowered to make a difference.

“UH’s intent to make a difference directly impacts the communities we serve,” said Valda Clark Christian, UH’s Chief Compliance Officer.

“As noted, 2020 presented unprecedented challenges. Existing programs needed review and revision in order to preserve core elements in a pandemic-safe mode. For example, hands-on cooking and nutrition classes co-hosted by the UH Rainbow Center for Women & Children and an adjacent grocery store were filmed for delivery via a virtual format in lieu of in-person classes. The UH Otis Moss Jr. Health Center Food for Life Market and Healthy Harvest programs traditionally provide free, fresh, healthy food and dietitian consultations on site to individuals suffering from food insecurity or dietary needs. In March 2020, the Market increased production and served a record number of food insecure patients and households due to skyrocketing food insecurity associated with the pandemic. Additionally, for the first time the Rainbow Center provided bagged lunches curbside while school was out of session to help combat youth hunger.

UH also created new programming to address needs emerging from the pandemic. To educate the broader Cleveland community on COVID-19 health and safety issues in general, and on specific strategies for safely operating during a pandemic, UH formed the Healthy Restart program. Through this initiative, UH authored a playbook for business and a playbook for schools. Both documents were posted on the UH website for free, easy access to the community. Additionally, UH offered webinars, site visits and consultations to help community businesses, schools and organizations apply the Playbooks to their specific environments.

“UH is honored to receive Ethisphere recognition as one of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies,” said Christian. “Such recognition is the product of a system-wide commitment to upholding our ethical standards and practicing our values daily. In times of change and challenge, those commitments and practices guide us in our quest to be the most trusted health care provider for our community.”