CONTEXT

The legacy of unethical treatment, disrespect and refusal of care to People of Color (POC) has tainted medical institutions. This legacy created a deep lack of trust by POC in healthcare overall. Studies confirm POC are more likely to seek health care and maintain relationships when providers are of a similar background. When staffing in every sector employs POC at a higher than the current percentage, trust in caregivers by POC will improve. Diverse workplaces help dissolve cultural boundaries including language and improve patient's relationship to providers, reduce response time in emergencies and foster trust.

Diversity in medical workforces promotes camaraderie among peers which leads to increased collaboration and exchange of pertinent medical advancements. Additionally, diversity among medical practitioners within disciplines could foster research in neglected areas of societal need.  


Healthcare comes in many forms and is provided by many different individuals. It goes well beyond a yearly wellness exam or a local urgent treatment center. Healthcare includes mental health, substance abuse recovery, nursing homes, rehabilitation, specialized treatment such as chemotherapy or dialysis, hospice care, nutrition programs SNAP/WIC and non-profit health outreach services.

How do you think workplaces can support their workers' mental and physical health?


WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER

Healthcare in the Mountain State, like many areas in rural Appalachia has obstacles to overcome such as employing a diverse population of providers and equitable access to quality healthcare. Historically, POC in health care navigated their own path through discrimination, segregation, and systemic racism to become practitioners. Today's practitioners continue the legacy of providing communities quality care and generating POC's increased trust in medical institutions thus increasing the quality of public health and well-being.

Healthcare comes in many forms and is provided by many different individuals. It goes well beyond a yearly wellness exam or a local urgent treatment center. Healthcare includes mental health, substance abuse recovery, nursing homes, rehabilitation, specialized treatment such as chemotherapy or dialysis, hospice care, nutrition programs SNAP/WIC and other health outreach services. These numerous avenues of care require a diverse, abundant corps of providers. The presence, input, and expertise of POC are invaluable to establish a more equitable standard of care.  


HEALTH SCIENCES AND DIVERSITY WEBSITES

For more information on WVU's Health Sciences and their efforts to represent diversity, visit the links below.

School of Medicine News

Health Sciences and Diversity

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