By Maureen Swick

The AHA supports an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities our members serve. During National Minority Health Month, the AHA Workforce Center highlights our hospitals’ commitment to increasing and supporting a diverse workforce.

That commitment to a diverse and culturally competent workforce starts from the top down. Leaders, executives and governance teams must recruit, retain and cultivate a diverse workforce that mirrors those they serve, embedding workforce planning and development within the strategic planning process.

Consider the following statistics:

  • By 2042, whites will be a minority in the U.S. (47% of the population);
  • The black population will grow by 56%;
  • The Latino population will triple to 29% of the U.S. population.

Research shows diversity leads to increased racial and ethnic minority patient choice and satisfaction. We know that racial and ethnic minority patients are more likely to report higher levels of satisfaction with their care and higher-quality care when treated by a health professional of their own racial and ethnic background. The changing face of America makes it a workforce imperative to ensure culturally competent, equitable access to care for all the people and communities we serve.

Learn more about how America’s hospitals are committing to a diverse workforce in the AHA Committee on Performance Improvement 2016 report, "The Imperative for Strategic Workforce Planning and Development: Challenges and Opportunities" and by checking out the AHA’s #123forEquity pledge campaign. 

Related News Articles

Headline
Speakers interested in leading conversations at the AHA’s new Healthier Together Conference are advised to submit a content proposal by Sept. 16. The three-day…
Headline
The AHA will host a webinar Aug. 13 from 1-2 p.m. ET that will explore strategies and proven de-escalation techniques unique to addressing workplace violence…
Headline
The AHA Aug. 7 launched a new webpage, Reducing Disparities in Health Outcomes, featuring new and familiar resources for members and their communities. As part…
Headline
Nell Buhlman, chief administrative officer and head of strategy at Press Ganey, and Chris DeRienzo, M.D., AHA chief physician executive, explore the data-…
Headline
The Senate Appropriations Committee July 31 advanced the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services,…
Headline
The AHA’s Next Generation Leaders Fellowship July 29 announced its 36 fellows for the class of 2026, who will each work with mentors to address a specific…