Diversity and Health Disparities

The Catholic Health Association and the Catholic health care ministry are committed to the importance of diversity — both in the workforce and in meeting the needs of diverse patients.

We recognize the importance of fostering diversity throughout the health care system, from the board room and C-suite throughout the entire workforce, both because of the demands of justice and in order to promote the health needs of the many diverse populations we serve. Our commitment to encouraging diversity and ending health disparities is rooted in the spiritual mission of Catholic health care, and CHA is dedicated to promoting this mission in order to improve care for all patients. CHA's Special Committee on Diversity and Health Disparities advises the board and association staff on issues related to leadership diversity, workforce diversity and health disparities, with particular focus on traditionally underrepresented groups.

CHA realizes the need to educate and advocate for traditionally underrepresented groups in order to increase their presence within leadership positions. Additionally, CHA encourages efforts to improve cultural competency within organizations so that we can effectively serve our patients from the many diverse populations in our communities. CHA is a co-founder of the Institute for Diversity in Health Management and continues to work closely on its initiatives. And, CHA advocates for public policy that moves towards elimination of health disparities. With this commitment, CHA continues the mission of Catholic health care in the responsibility to provide care that reflects the needs of those being served.

Roots in Catholic Teachings
The principles of Catholic social teaching, including the inherent dignity of each person; the common good; and concern for poor and vulnerable, provide a moral and ethical basis for the Catholic health care ministry. These values call us to ensure that traditionally underrepresented groups have meaningful opportunities for leadership positions, and to refuse to accept the existence of racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes, access to care and receipt of quality health care which stand in direct opposition to the mission of Catholic health care and the Catholic social tradition. Directive three and seven of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, which are guidelines for how we carry out our ministry, reflect our responsibilities in these areas.