Black History Month: Recognizing African Americans in February helps “give them a voice”

Darice Ruth

As patient service representative for speech diagnostics at Memorial Hospital, Darice Ruth is part of a team that helps patients find their voice.

Many of the patients have received treatment for cancers in the head and neck areas, affecting the larynx, or voice box. Some have difficulty speaking because of a COVID-19 infection.

Likewise, Ruth says recognizing Black History Month helps give a voice to African Americans.

“Let’s be very clear that Black history is nothing separate from history,” Ruth said. “Black History Month is the part of history that is often minimized, ignored and overlooked. I think that Beacon acknowledges that.”

Ruth started her career at Memorial in 2007 as a unit assistant in pediatrics, and five years later she became the inventory coordinator for vascular services. Four years after that, she moved into her current position.

Asked what she likes most about her job, Ruth said it’s seeing patients’ conditions and abilities improve with treatment and care.

“Helping is so rewarding, when you see people progress, patients who come in with an issue with their airway,” Ruth said. “It’s a rewarding job. I like helping people.”

Ruth said Memorial Hospital has been emphasizing Black History Month more since Beacon Health System in 2021 launched a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiative, along with creating “associate resource groups” for associates to more easily connect with others who share their background, race or other experiences.

She sees that as ultimately helping associate retention.

“When you acknowledge that, it gives people a stronger commitment to the organization itself,” Ruth said. “We have over 1,000 employees who are African American. When inclusion is shown, commitment is shown. It boosts the morale. It gets people committed to stay, when we say that we see that you’re working hard. It shows that we care about you.”