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The Latin motto "E Pluribus Unum" (Out of Many, One) was the phrase selected by our Founding Fathers in 1776 to represent our new nation. It was a reference to the thirteen original colonies united into one nation…and the fact that the result—the United States—was greater than the sum of its individual parts. Little did our founding fathers know that, 230 years later, that same phrase still resonates when describing our nation…but for different reasons. Far from our homogenous beginnings, we are, as a nation, more diverse than ever before. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau projections, the pace of change is increasing. By 2050, nearly one in four Americans will be of Hispanic origin…nearly double the current ratio. Between now and 2050, our nation's Asian and Black populations will grow by 213% and 71%, respectively. Increasingly, the United States is becoming more and more ethnically and racially diverse. Our population continues to grow more diverse in many other ways. We are living longer; our rapidly growing older population puts new demands on families, the workplace, our health care system and the economy. Over 30 million American adults have severe disabilities, which impact enormously on their private and work lives. We're still learning and growing as a System, and discovering new ways that our facilities can benefit and support each other. We've found that there really is strength in numbers, whether it means lobbying for more equitable federal funding, getting preferred pricing on equipment and supplies, or sharing expertise and experience that strengthens our organizations and benefits our patients. We are a nation of many ethnicities, religions, languages, abilities and cultures. No other country in the world is as diverse as the United States. The inclusiveness that we foster…the rich "gene pool" of experiences and talents that we nurture…enriches our professional and personal lives and strengthens the bonds that hold us together as a nation. And, as in Nature, that diversity enables us to adapt, evolve and thrive as a people. We truly are "Out of Many, One." Our health care facilities are microcosms of our nation. Each of our organizations is a collection of people from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and experiences. Among our workforces and patient populations are people of different ages, races, genders, cultures, religions, national origins, physical appearance, education, family status, function, and sexual orientation. While we are all stronger because of the blessings and gifts we all contribute, our differences can sometimes be a source of misunderstanding and can overshadow the great possibilities and opportunities that arise because of these differences. That is why our attention to this issue is so important. At the System level, we are committed to promoting an inclusive culture that embraces diversity. I'm pleased to report that we made significant progress in 2005. Our Values in Practice Program has developed tool kits to help our caregivers be responsive to our diverse constituencies. We are in the process of creating a comprehensive Diversity Plan for CHE. We've had some encouraging results and positive feedback from participants in our Reciprocal Leadership Mentoring Program. We exceeded our 2005 goal of "…at least 10% of hires into either new or vacated positions within CHE's executive succession planning pool be persons of racial/ethnic diversity." The actual number was 15%! In addition, 22% of all new appointments and reappointments to our RHC/JOA Boards in 2005 were persons of ethnic and racially diverse backgrounds. At the local level, several RHCs also made significant progress towards their diversity goals. We need to build upon our successes in 2006. Beyond the education and the sensitivity training and recognition of what makes us different, it is leadership's responsibility to lead by example. Is creating a more diverse workforce a priority in your facility? How visible are your efforts? Can you measure your results? Are you sharing your successes and accomplishments…and lessons learned… throughout your organization? Active leadership support of diversity efforts will speak volumes to your colleagues, patients and communities. We must continue to strive to understand the issues, challenges and gifts that diversity in our workforce present us with…and build an organization that truly embraces diversity and maximizes the potential of every individual. I am confident in our leadership group's ability and determination to make even more progress in 2006.
Sincerely yours,
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