by Kelsey Herbers
Vanderbilt University Medical Center has launched a new program to support individuals impacted by sexual harassment in the workplace.
Named the SHARE Center (Sexual Harassment: Access, Response and Education), the program provides a confidential place where VUMC faculty, staff and Allied Health students can discuss their experiences of workplace sexual harassment and learn ways to connect to additional resources to support their needs.
The program was announced by Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of VUMC and Dean of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, at a recent Leadership Assembly as he shared the highlights of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine’s 2018 report on Sexual Harassment of Women.
“The SHARE Center is an excellent addition to the programs offered under the Work/Life Connections Employee Assistance Program. The program will be coordinated by Lauren Dattilo, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist, who will provide specialized counseling and support to those who have been impacted by workplace sexual harassment,” said Mary Yarbrough, MD, MPH, executive director of Faculty and Staff Health and Wellness.
“I’m excited to join VUMC’s existing efforts to promote a safe and equitable workplace and learning environment for all faculty, staff and Allied Health students,” said Dattilo. “The SHARE Center will focus on individual counseling and support as well as broader programming and education as part of a multifaceted approach to engaging and empowering all VUMC employees to create an inclusive and responsive workplace culture.”
In addition to providing counseling, resources and programming, a primary goal of the SHARE Center is to assist employees in understanding the Medical Center’s policies and outcomes and to make clear that sexual harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
The new program joins several existing resources, including the sexual harassment reporting process operated through VUMC Employee Relations, counseling services offered through the Work/Life Connections Employee Assistance Program and ongoing Respect@Work trainings.
Employees can visit the VUMC sexual harassment website (hr.vumc.org/harassment) to learn more about the official reporting process and to connect with personnel from Employee and Labor Relations. Reports can also be made via phone at 615-343-4759, by emailing employeerelations.vumc@vumc.org or in person at the Employee and Labor Relations office, located in suite 500 inside 2525 West End Ave.
The SHARE Center is located in the basement of the Medical Arts Building in suite 010 and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Individuals may call 615-936-1327 to make an appointment with a SHARE provider. Additional information can be found on the program’s website (vumc.org/health-wellness/SHARE-center).