Overview

In part 2 of our Supplier Diversity podcast series, HASC’s Adam Blackstone spoke with Gus Escutia, Quality Environmental, Inc., and Chico Manning, PIH Health. The two described how they met and have formed a successful purchasing relationship over the past few years.

Escutia and Manning are involved with Communities Lifting Communities (CLC) and HASC’s Hospital Supplier Diversity Initiative. The organizations launched the program after AB 962 (Burke) passed in 2019. This state law mandates hospitals to report yearly on their spending with minority, women, LGBT and disabled veteran–owned businesses. Its passage also offered a real opportunity for HASC and CLC to help advance health equity and inclusion in the Southland.

The Hospital Supplier Diversity Initiative aims to support HASC hospitals in expanding their purchasing to include diverse suppliers. Guided by the Hospital Supplier Diversity Task Force, the program fosters relationships between businesses and hospital procurement staff. Increasing inclusion in the supply chain helps create jobs, enhance local economies and advance well-being for under-resourced communities.

Speakers