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How much progress is your hospital making toward ensuring equitable care for all persons in every community served? April is a good time to ask because it’s National Minority Health , dedicated to raising awareness about the health disparities that continue to affect minority populations.

Increasing awareness is critical to catalyzing action, and action is at the heart of the AHA’s #123forEquity to Eliminate Health Care Disparities. Nearly 1,500 hospitals and health systems across America have pledged to improve the collection and use of race, ethnicity and language preference and sociodemographic data; cultural competency training; and diversity in leadership and governance. They understand that providing equity in care is not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. 

The AHA and its Institute for Diversity for Health Management (IFD) affiliate are leading efforts across the country to educate and support organizations in their health equity journey. Just last week, the IFD  team hosted two regional conferences in Maryland, led a panel discussion at the American College of Healthcare Executives Congress in Chicago and delivered a keynote address to academic medical centers in Florida.

As part of National Minority Health Month, we’ll be participating in a number led by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, including a Twitter Town Hall on April 12 at 1 p.m. ET. Make sure to follow and on and join the conversation at #123forEquity and #NMHM17. 

And make sure to use our tools and  that can help you fulfill your role as an anchor of equitable care for everyone you serve in your community. We’re making progress, but more needs to be done. If your organization hasn’t signed the #123forEquity pledge, please do so today.