GMR Appoints Chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Group

PRESS RELEASE

DALLAS—Global Medical Response (GMR) announced April 27, 2021, that it has named Talma M. Carstarphen, director of Marketing Proposal Development, as chair of the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resource Group.

Carstarphen will serve a one-year team in which she will help guide diversity and inclusion initiatives across the air, ground, managed medical transportation, and community, industrial/specialty and wildland fire service branches of the organization.

“We are 38,000 strong at GMR,” said Carstarphen. “We are bigger than some of the communities that we serve, and we represent and experience the same issues and opportunities that many pockets of America go through. We must work to create the right landscape and messages for those who are invested in our organization and its mission.”

The 17-member resource group includes leaders from corporate functions, Operations, and Aviation. The group works collaboratively with GMR leadership to reinforce and evolve inclusion, diversity and a culture of belonging through strategic initiatives.

The initial charter developed by the group focuses on several key areas, including ongoing solicitation of employee feedback, training and development opportunities on issues about diversity, equity and inclusion, identifying diverse candidates in the talent acquisition process and expanding communication efforts with all employees.

“At GMR our people and culture make the difference: for our patients, for our communities, and for our workplace,” said Lisa Jacoba, chief human resources officer for Global Medical Response. “Each of our team members offers a unique set of experiences, perspectives and viewpoints shaped by their heritage, background and culture. We consider this diversity to be one of our most important resources—helping us to represent the communities we serve. As the executive leader responsible for driving diversity, equity and inclusion at GMR I have full confidence that Talma will help push us toward lasting and meaningful changes.”

“It’s important that all of us are a part of the conversation, even if we don’t think of ourselves when we think about diversity, equity and inclusion,” Carstarphen said. “We need to get to the point where we consider ourselves and each other. DEI has to be more than issues of the black female or the Hispanic male. It has to be an 'us' and inclusive discussion, and not a 'them' discussion. We have, like all, opportunities for growth. It’s reassuring to see the company is passionate about applying its resources to build a better future that is inclusive, hopeful and focused on creating opportunities for all employees to serve each other and our communities.”