Addressing Healthcare Workforce Diversity: The Importance of a Diverse Healthcare Workforce in Underserved Communities

The shortage of healthcare professionals is a growing concern, with mounting pressures on the health care workforce leading to both short-term and long-term issues. According to a statement submitted by the American Hospital Association (AHA) to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee during a hearing on May 2, there are projected shortages of physicians and allied health and behavioral health care providers. These shortages will be particularly felt in underserved communities.

The AHA emphasized the importance of having a diverse healthcare workforce that can understand the cultures, issues, and needs of local patient populations. This understanding can lead to better decision-making on how to serve communities, ultimately improving patient experience, safety, and quality of care. However, people of color are currently underrepresented across the healthcare professions.

To address these challenges, AHA expressed its support for federal programs and legislation focused on increasing workforce diversity in healthcare and reducing attrition. The organization also urged the Senate to pass the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act (S. 2415), bipartisan legislation that would reauthorize federal support for state-based maternal mortality review committees. These committees review pregnancy-related deaths to identify causes and make recommendations to prevent maternal mortality.

During the hearing, testimonies were given by various individuals including Sen. Laphonza Butler, Rep. Michael Burgess, M.D., Yolanda Lawson, M