A Note from our CEO, Dr. Susan Ehrlich
This Wednesday, we will come together in Carr Auditorium to celebrate the recipients of the 2026 Equity Awards and recognize their work to drive equity forward across ZSFG.
Equity work matters. It improves health outcomes, helps close gaps in care, strengthens communication and trust, improves access and follow up, and supports staff in providing safer, more compassionate care.
These awards are an opportunity to highlight what “equity in action” looks like in our daily work. They recognize the ways staff are improving care, reducing barriers, strengthening inclusion, and helping build systems that better serve our patients, our workforce, and one another. They also help share examples that other teams can learn from and build upon.
This year’s recipients were selected for their impact on equity, collaboration, sustainability, and alignment with ZSFG values. Please join me in congratulating this year’s winners:
Eliminating Health Disparities
Family Health Center, Quality Improvement, Health Workers Team
The Health Workers Quality Improvement Team in the Family Health Center uses targeted outreach and routine data review to improve preventive care follow up and reduce disparities in outcomes for Black/African American patients.
Building a Culture of Inclusion and Belonging
Trauma Recovery / Rape Treatment Center (TRC/RTC) Medical Forensic Team
The Medical Forensic Team in the Trauma Recovery/Rape Treatment Center improves access to timely, trauma informed forensic care through stronger language access, disability accommodations, and coordination across teams.
Ensuring Workforce Equity
Norlissa Cooper, Administrator on Duty, Nursing Leadership
Norlissa Cooper helped create the Nursing Research Symposium, which we have held two years in a row. Through her leadership, she expands access to mentorship, learning, and professional growth opportunities for our nursing staff.
Career Achievement Award
Gillian Otway, Chief Nursing Officer
Gillian Otway’s longstanding commitment to equity-centered nursing leadership, mentorship, and staff development strengthens pathways into leadership across ZSFG. She has built an incredible nurse leadership team in every area of care who uphold our values and commitment to excellence.
Thank you for continuing to use an equity lens to improve care, strengthen patient outcomes, and support one another across our organization.
Susan