Mayo Clinic's Supplier Diversity Initiative program, launched in 2015, aims to boost the amount of supply contracts given to companies owned by minorities, women and veterans.
Through this initiative, Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic will host an expo event in early August, using the theme of "The Power of Diversity." The expo intends to encourage more diverse-owned companies, particularly in the Rochester area, to submit bids for supply contracts with Mayo Clinic.
In 2015, Mayo Clinic spent $526 million on more than 6,000 diverse and small business enterprises, an increase from $410 million in 2014.
"There are some key components of why we want to do this. It creates job growth, protects our brand, encourages innovation and it's important for our community," said Tammy Monson, operations manager for Mayo Clinic Supply Chain Management. "It's a priority for Mayo. It's very high level."
The Supplier Diversity Initiative does not apply to Mayo Clinic's drug purchases, which make up nearly one-third of its total supply costs.
More articles on supply chain:
5 new medical device companies to know
Novartis pledges to triple biosimilar drugs in market by 2020
Protestors at 'right to try' rally in D.C. want access to experimental drugs