Institute for Diversity and Health Equity (IFDHE)
The Institute for Diversity and Health Equity (IFDHE), part of the American Hospital Association (AHA), works closely with health services organizations to advance health equity for all and to expand leadership opportunities for ethnic minorities in health management. We have long believed that promoting diversity within health care leadership and tackling health disparities is critical to ensuring the highest quality of care for everyone.
Being a health care leader has always meant carrying the weight of responsibility, knowing that decisions can shape lives. For years, I believed leadership was about being strong, unwavering, and always in control. But life has a way of humbling you, especially when you face an invisible disability…
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it's an opportune moment for us in the Hispanic community to assess our progress in health care, celebrate our achievements and reflect on how we can individually contribute to advancing our cause in diversity, equity and inclusion. This is also a time…
Pennsylvania Hospital is the first hospital in the nation, founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond. The hospital has a legacy of innovation: the first surgical amphitheater which served as an operating room from 1804-1868. The first medical library is still housed in our historic…
DEI is one of many tools organizations can use to advance health equity. Research shows that a diverse and representative health care workforce improves patients’ access to care, their perceptions of the care they receive and, most importantly, health outcomes. Studies have identified…
According to the U.S. Census Bureau report, Asian Americans account for 7% of the U.S. population — totaling over 24 million people. Between 2000 and 2023, Asian Americans were the fastest growing minority group, increasing by 103%.[1]
Since 2018, Black Maternal Health Week has been a national observance from April 11–17. This annual observance was created by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to raise awareness, advocate for change and support the unique experiences of Black mothers while advancing the principles and practices of…
My paternal grandmother was born in 1913 as the youngest of five children and the only girl. She had three sons and no daughters. When I arrived, I was the first girl born into the family in over 50 years. As a result, my grandmother and I developed a very special bond.
I was raised by my mother, who was a nurse, and an elder sister, who both prioritized education. During a visit to Kentucky State University, I was inspired to pursue higher education there. I studied political science for three years with the intention of pursuing law. However, unforeseen…
In this conversation, Ogechi Emechebe and Christopher Torres, Senior Communication Specialists at the AHA, are joined by Fred Hobby, former president and CEO of the Institute for Diversity in Health Management, to reflect on his achievements during his time at AHA. Fred also shares critical ways…