Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace—or lack thereof—can have a profound impact on the ability of an organization to attract qualified talent, achieve lasting change and meet the needs of the communities it serves. ​Getting there can be challenging, but together we can build a stronger, more diverse workforce and a more equitable and inclusive working environment. 

Below are a collection of resources on the importance of DEI and strategies for how to improve DEI at public health laboratories. Some were created or collected by APHL and our members, including the APHL Emerging Leader Program​ (ELP) Cohort 13 and the DEI Taskforce. 

Improving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Public Health Laboratories

​Resources for a General Audience ​​

Diversity, Equity​​​ and Inclusion at Public Health Laboratories (Fact sheet)
This two-page fact sheet outlines key components of DEI and their particular impact and importance at public health laboratories, and provides solutions/actions everyone can take to improve DEI at their workplace. This resource contains direct links to external sources and is best utilized as a digital document. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Public Health Laboratories (Poster)
This poster outlines key components of DEI and their particular impact and importance at public health laboratories, and pro​vides solutions/actions everyone can take to improve DEI at their workplace. This resource is meant to be printed on 14”x17” paper. 

Lab Culture Ep. 24: In Pursuit of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Public Health Laboratory (Podcast, 1 hour)
Four members of the Fall ELP Cohort 13 joined APHL’s podcast, Lab Culture, as part of their final project. In this episode they share pieces of the conversations they had with their colleagues and their overall thoughts on DEI within the public health laboratory as a workplace. 

Lab Matters, Spring 2021: Building a Culture of Inclu​sion in Public Health Laboratories​
Read our feature story on how public health labs can play a critical role in ensuring that not only are all served equally, but there is representation from different cultures and communities within the laboratory workforce.​

Resources for Laboratory Leadership 

Improving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through Strategic Leadership​ (Fact sheet)
The one-page fact sheet provides specific actions that laboratory leadership can take to improve DEI at an organization within the four key areas of education/training, allyship/advocacy, mentoring and recruitment. This resource contains direct links to external sources and is best utilized as a digital document. ​

Additional Resources ​​

Resource Reference List ​​
This list contains all the resources and links referenced in the two fact sheets and poster above, as well as additional DEI resources and tools.​​