#United States #St. Louis #Health System #Mercy #Disability Inclusion

Mercy's Commitment to Disability Inclusivity

Mercy, one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States, has once again distinguished itself as a leader in supporting individuals with disabilities. On July 27, 2026, Mercy was recognized as a World's Top Disability Inclusive Business, a prestigious honor awarded based on its impressive performance on the Disability Index®, a significant global benchmark for assessing disability inclusion in the workplace.

This marks the second consecutive year that Mercy has received this recognition, having achieved a similar accolade in 2025. The organization was also named a Leading Disability Employer in both 2024 and 2025 by the National Organization on Disability. Approximately 12 healthcare systems were acknowledged by DisabilityIN for their commitment to disability inclusion, highlighting Mercy's prominent position within this group.

The recognition signifies Mercy's commitment to advocating for the voices of employees and patients with disabilities, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect for all individuals. By focusing on enhancing the patient experience and dismantling bias, Mercy aims to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Mercy's Disability Resources Council, along with its leadership, is dedicated to cultivating a supportive workplace. Key initiatives include offering educational programs for employees, organizing inclusive leadership and hiring events, and facilitating community outreach opportunities. Collaborations with local agencies across Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma further reinforce Mercy's efforts to create an inclusive healthcare environment.

In addition to internal initiatives, Mercy plays an active role in enhancing patient experiences through various channels, including regular continuing education programs and student programming. By intentionally prioritizing inclusion and accessibility, Mercy seeks to ensure that both employees and patients experience a nurturing environment that allows them to flourish.

Marisa Hiatt, Mercy's director of experience and inclusion, expressed her pride in receiving this acknowledgment. "We are proud to receive this recognition of the progress we have made, and we remain committed to the work ahead. By embedding inclusive practices into our culture, systems, and experiences, we are fostering belonging, unlocking talent, and building a stronger organization for the future," she stated.

The Disability Index is recognized worldwide as the premier third-party benchmarking tool for assessing corporate disability inclusion. Scores from this index identify organizations like Mercy that achieve high proficiency levels in disability inclusion, establishing them as leaders in this essential area. The index is employed by hundreds of prominent companies around the globe to evaluate their disability inclusion practices.

Jill Houghton, president and CEO of DisabilityIN, emphasized the importance of accessibility for innovation, stating, "The future of business will be defined by how well companies design for a broader range of people and experiences. Accessibility is a catalyst for innovation. Companies using the Disability Index are applying that mindset to drive progress across their business."

About Mercy

Mercy is identified as one of the top 15 largest healthcare systems in the United States and has been acclaimed for delivering exceptional patient experiences, as recognized by NRC Health. Yearly, Mercy serves millions of patients with its nationally recognized care and operates one of the largest and highest-performing Accountable Care Organizations in terms of quality and cost efficiency.

With a robust presence across multiple states, Mercy comprises 55 acute care and specialty hospitals, including ones dedicated to heart, children's, orthopedic, and rehab care. Its network further includes convenient care locations, imaging centers, and pharmacies. Mercy boasts more than 1,000 physician practice locations and outpatient facilities, employing over 5,000 physicians and advanced practitioners as well as 50,000 caregivers who serve patients and families across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Additionally, Mercy provides clinics, outpatient services, and outreach ministries in various states, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. In fiscal year 2025, Mercy contributed more than half a billion dollars in community benefits and charity care, underscoring its commitment to serving those in need.

About the Disability Index

The Disability Index® serves as the leading independent resource for evaluating disability inclusion policies and practices in businesses. Over 70% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly half of Fortune 500 companies trust this tool to uncover opportunities for growth through data-driven actions that positively impact long-term business outcomes.