How woke is Zoomcare?

Introduction

ZoomCare, a Portland-based chain of healthcare clinics, was founded in 2006 by Dave Sanders and Albert DiPiero. Known for its same-day, on-demand healthcare services, ZoomCare operates over 50 clinics across Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and Idaho. Their mission is to make healthcare more accessible and convenient by offering a broad range of medical services through both physical clinics and digital platforms. But let’s peel back the layers and see what’s really going on with ZoomCare’s commitment to progressive causes.

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

ZoomCare, as a part of the PeaceHealth network, does not explicitly support progressive causes through its financial contributions. It’s worth noting that as a Catholic health system, PeaceHealth’s donations and community investments are likely guided by their religious mission and healthcare focus, rather than explicitly progressive political causes.

Prioritization of DEI Policies

ZoomCare takes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) seriously, and they’ve got the policies to prove it.

They regularly publish reports detailing employee diversity and gender pay variance in an “ambitious transparency initiative,” according to The Lund Report.

These reports underscore ZoomCare’s commitment to transparency and equity, making it clear that they are dedicated to supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace. 

“What we are bringing to the table really is radical,” said Dr. Dave Sanders, who co-founded Zoom in 2006. “There’s no question that others will now have to follow our lead.”

Mandatory Training Sessions

There is no information available indicating that ZoomCare requires training sessions on topics like unconscious bias or critical race theory. This could be because such training does not exist, or it may not be publicly documented.

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

ZoomCare shows robust support for LGBTQ+ initiatives. The company, an active participant in events like Portland Pride, posted on their LinkedIn:

“ZoomCare proudly marched with Portland Pride this weekend! We were thrilled to be a part of the joyful celebration and to continue our support of LGBTQIA+ community!”

They also celebrate Pride Month by highlighting LGBTQ+ advocacy groups such as the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, Pride Northwest, and Seattle Pride. In their social media post, ZoomCare encouraged people to follow these groups and share their work.

On #TransDayOfVisibility, they celebrated generations of activism by transgender and nonbinary individuals, with the following post:

“At ZOOM+Care, we believe that #TransRightsAreHumanRights and we proudly stand in solidarity with transgender and nonbinary communities,” the company stated.

They provided tips for allyship, such as respecting terminology, using inclusive pronouns, signing petitions, amplifying voices, addressing anti-transgender comments, and donating time or money to support transgender individuals.

However, their parent company, PeaceHealth, has faced criticism for denying healthcare to a transgender person. “PeaceHealth refused to cover the surgery, citing a policy of excluding all “transgender services,” according to ACLU Washington.

Marketing and Branding

ZoomCare’s marketing and branding highlight inclusivity and LGBTQ+ initiatives but do not extensively discuss broader social activism policies. Their strategy focuses heavily on personalization, convenience, and accessibility. 

Conclusion

ZoomCare emphasizes inclusivity and LGBTQ+ initiatives through active participation in events like Portland Pride and providing actionable allyship tips. While their DEI efforts are apparent, there’s no indication of mandatory training on topics like unconscious bias. However, their association with PeaceHealth, which has faced criticism for denying transgender healthcare, complicates their general progressive stance. Overall, ZoomCare is committed to inclusivity and accessibility, though the influence of their parent company adds some complexity.