HCD International Celebrates Women’s History Month: A Letter of Appreciation

Dear Women of HCD International,

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I am filled with profound gratitude and admiration for each and every one of the women who have been part of the journey of HealthCare Dynamics International (HCDI). Oftentimes, as women, our jobs and duties transcend traditional schedules.

Many of the women at HCDI are wives, mothers, caretakers, community leaders, breadwinners, and the list continues. When I think about the duality of upholding these roles, while maintaining careers, I am in awe of the strength, resilience, and multitasking prowess that the women of HCDI exhibit daily.

Did you know the team at HCDI is responsible for reaching out to nearly 20,000 members for breast and cervical cancer screenings in 2022-23, closing over HEDIS 1,000 gaps? Your dedication, passion, and resilience have been the cornerstone of our success and impact in the healthcare industry.

Every year as we approach the company anniversary in April, I reserve time to review the year in full with our Vice President/COO and Chief Strategy Officer, Michelle Pascaran and Rachel Smith, respectively. Michelle reminded me of our Business Case for Breastfeeding Train-the-Trainer initiative with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Our team aided the development of the resource kit and enthusiastically trained an assortment of breastfeeding coalitions across the nation to engage with their local businesses to advocate for worksite lactation programs for their employees. The program effectively trained over 900 individuals, who in turn, successfully trained approximately 2800 individuals in their communities using the Business Case for Breastfeeding Resource Kit. HCDI understands the health benefits of breastfeeding, both for the mother and the child. We also believe women in the workforce is an economic imperative; we, as a society thrive when women are empowered for financial success. We are proud to support all women in the labor force including working mothers.

Similarly, Rachel shared a fond memory from a few years ago when we collaborated with the Prince George’s County Health Department to set up a mass vaccination center. A remarkable team, predominantly comprised of 85% women, worked tirelessly within a tight timeframe of just two weeks. They meticulously planned workflows, procured necessary equipment, managed logistics, and recruited staff, ensuring the smooth administration of nearly 60,000 vaccinations.

Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles in shaping societies, breaking barriers, and driving positive change. In our own context at HCDI, women, here again, make significant contributions. From the executive team to community health workers, to the data team, to our student workers, I am proud to be on a team of like-minded women who have an unwavering commitment to promoting health equity and excellence in healthcare delivery.

As we reflect on the legacy of women’s leadership and accomplishments this Women’s History Month, let us also acknowledge and celebrate the impressive contributions of women across the business sector:

• According to the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), women-owned businesses in the United States generate over $1.8 trillion in revenue annually, employing nearly 9.2 million people (about half the population of New York).
• A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies with higher gender diversity in executive teams were 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability compared to those with lower diversity.
• Research conducted by Johnson & Johnson shows that women make approximately 80% of healthcare decisions for their families, underlining their significant role in healthcare-related decision-making and the industry’s reliance on their expertise.

On behalf of the entire HCDI family, I extend my warmest wishes for Women’s History Month. I find immense pride in the fact that HCDI is being led by women of exceptional talent who grace every department.

Happy Women’s History Month,

Jean Drummond 
HCDI CEO, President