U.S. Department of Labor honors five organizations for creating equal opportunities in the workplace

Johns Hopkins Health System receives Secretary of Labors Opportunity Award

WASHINGTON — For their efforts to promote equal employment opportunity (EEO), five organizations were honored today by the U.S. Department of Labor at an annual awards ceremony hosted by the department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). Three types of awards — the Secretary of Labor's Opportunity Award, the Exemplary Voluntary Efforts (EVE) Award and the Exemplary Public Interest Contribution (EPIC) Award — were presented to recognize innovative workplace programs and initiatives that increase equal employment opportunities for American workers.

"This important annual event showcases successful employer initiatives that expand employment opportunities for Americans in underserved communities, including minorities, women, workers with disabilities and veterans," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

The Secretary of Labor's Opportunity Award is the department's most prestigious honor that recognizes exemplary and innovative workplace diversity efforts by federal contractors. That award was presented to Johns Hopkins Health System in Baltimore, Md., for the company's commitment to equal employment opportunities in the workplace. Recently, Johns Hopkins Health System created a diversity council comprised of more than 50 employees from across the organization. The council works to develop and implement programs that will recruit, engage and retain a diverse workforce. Currently, the council is working on numerous projects, including coordinating health and administrative internships with a focus on historically diverse colleges and universities, hosting a community job fair and developing a mentoring program.

CDW Corporation in Vernon Hills, Ill., and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, were both presented the EVE Award for their outstanding EEO programs focusing on best practices for diversity management and equal job opportunities.

OFCCP also recognized F*E*G*S Health and Human Services System in New York, N.Y., and Buffalo-Area Engineering Awareness for Minorities Inc. in Buffalo, N.Y., with EPIC Awards for their commitments to helping individuals with the least opportunities find and retain employment in today's job market.

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