264: Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Hospice Care – A Conversation with Heidi L. Barham

Heidi L. Barham, M.Div, CT, CDP® is the Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Hospice of the Western where she previously served as a Spiritual Care Coordinator for 13 years. In addition to her position with Hospice of the Western Reserve, she is the pastor of Ledgewood Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Novelty, Ohio and adjunct faculty with Indiana Wesleyan University. Prior to joining Hospice of the Western Reserve, Ms. Barham spent 20 years in the financial services industry, working for KeyBank and Fifth Third Bank respectively.

Heidi received her Bachelor and Master of Business Administration degrees from Cleveland State University, a Master of Divinity degree from Ashland Theological Seminary and a certificate in Paralegal Studies from Myers University. Additionally, she earned her certification as a Certified Diversity Professional through the Institute for Diversity Certification and is Certified in Thanatology: Death, Dying and Bereavement through the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). She is also a graduate of the LeadDiversity program sponsored through the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio.

Heidi currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of God Before Guns which is a multi-faith coalition of individuals and faith communities working to reduce gun injuries and deaths. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Cleveland Memorial Society and serves on the Regional Church Council for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Ohio. Additionally, Heidi is part of the clergy faculty for Job Opportunities Breakthrough Services whose mission is to provide comprehensive, faith-based job readiness and training skills to members of the Greater Cleveland community.

Heidi is a member of the DEI Advisory Council of the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cleveland, the Minority Advisory Board of the Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, the Minority Health Alliance of Cleveland, the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition, the Chagrin Valley Council of Churches, the Health Equity Forum of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) and was recently appointed to the Diversity Advisory Council of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). She is a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and volunteers with Karamu House Theater where she previously served on the board.

Heidi and her husband, Ron, reside in the city of Cleveland.