Statement of Values:

Any code of ethics is built on a foundation of widely shared values.  The values of Women’s Health & Counseling Center (WHCC) include:

• Respect for the worth and dignity of individuals, both our clients and employees

• Respect for pluralism and diversity

• Transparency, integrity and honesty

• Responsible stewardship of resources

• Commitment to excellence and to maintaining the public trust.

Code of Ethics:

1.  Personal and Professional Integrity

All staff, board members and volunteers of the organization act with honesty, integrity and openness in all their dealings as representatives of the organization.  The organization promotes a working environment that values respect, fairness and integrity.

2.  Mission

Women’s Health & Counseling Center is a community-based, non-profit provider of personalized health care for women, particularly those who may not be able to obtain such services from traditional providers due to monetary, cultural, language or other barriers.

Our goal is to provide a safe haven where compassionate and high quality services are available.  These include medical and preventive care, counseling and support programs.  We promote healthier communities by educating women to make informed health care choices.

3.  Governance

The Board of Trustees is the active governing body responsible for setting the mission and strategic direction of the organization and oversight of the finances, operations, and policies of WHCC.

4.  Responsible Stewardship

WHCC manages their funds responsibly and prudently.

5.  Openness and Disclosure

WHCC provides comprehensive and timely information to the public, the media, and all stakeholders and is responsive in a timely manner to reasonable requests for information.  All information WHCC provides will fully and honestly reflect the policies and practices of the organization.  Basic informational data about WHCC, such as the Form 990, reviews and compilations, and audited financial statements will be available to the public.  All solicitation materials accurately represent the organization’s policies and practices and will reflect the dignity of program beneficiaries.  All financial, organizational, and program reports will be complete and accurate in all material respects.

6.  Inclusiveness and Diversity

WHCC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principle of diversity.  We value, champion and embrace diversity in all aspects of our activities and respect others without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or status as a qualified disabled or handicapped individual.

7.  Fundraising

Since WHCC raises funds from the public or from donor institutions, we are truthful in our solicitation materials.  We respect the privacy concerns of individual donors and expend funds consistent with donor intent.  WHCC discloses important and relevant information to potential donors.

8.  Conflict of Interest

In order to avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest, which could tarnish the reputation of WHCC or undermine the public’s trust, the following actions are necessary:

• Annually, the staff will acknowledge receipt and knowledge of the Human Resources policy manual which contains the relevant conflict of interest statement.

• No Trustee or volunteer either on his/her own behalf or the behalf of any other person, shall have any financial or personal interest in any proposed business or transaction of the Agency.

• No Trustee shall accept any gift, whether in this form of service, money, thing, favor, loan, or promise, that would not be offered or given to him/her if her were not a Trustee.

• Annually, the Board of Trustees and Networking Board members will sign a conflict of interest disclosure.

• All conflicts, potential conflicts or questions will be reported to the Staff Ethics Officer.

• See Appendix 1 for additional detail.

9.  Confidentiality and Privacy

We will ensure that all client and donor information, which is confidential, privileged or nonpublic, is not disclosed inappropriately.  WHCC staff will protect the privacy of medical information of their clients and operate in accordance with the HIPAA guidelines.

10.  Political Contributions

No substantial part of the activities of WHCC shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation.  WHCC shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office, except as authorized in the Internal Revenue Code.

Guidance and Disclosure

Volunteers and staff are encouraged to seek guidance from WHCC’s Human Resources staff, the Board of Trustees Human Resources Committee and the Staff Ethics Officer concerning the interpretation or application of this Code of Ethics.

                                                              Published July 2005

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