Hispanic Heritage Month Campaign Celebrates Hispanic Impact In The Healthcare System

Healthy Hispanic Living (HHL) launched a campaign to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by showcasing the wide range of career opportunities in human health and pet health. Hispanics are 18.3 percent of the total U.S. population, yet in 2018 made up only 13.6 percent of those

employed in healthcare and social

assistance, and just 8.7 percent of those

employed in life, physical and social science occupations.

HHL partners with employers to close those talent gaps by connecting with its audience through storytelling that inspires students and professionals to play a more influential role in healthcare by seeking careers in clinical and non-clinical roles in the industry.

As a committed partner, Banfield Pet Hospital is encouraging Hispanic employees and inclusion advocates to share their personal career stories through the HHL Career Center Mentors program.

"As a Latina working in the veterinary profession, I'm proud to work for a company that understands the importance of sharing the unique stories of Hispanic veterinary professionals," said Sindy Vasquez, senior manager of talent acquisition, Banfield Pet Hospital. "We're excited to partner with HHL to highlight the value a career in veterinary medicine can bring." Banfield Pet Hospital is the largest general veterinary practice in the United States.

HHL is also drawing attention to a new resource from Sodexo, a worldwide leader in food and facilities management. Sodexo released a new white paper offering healthcare administrators a 5-part action plan for advancing Hispanic leadership within the organization, based on a literature review, primary research, surveys, and in-depth interviews.

"We know that health outcomes improve when the broader community is fully engaged in developing solutions that impact the underlying issues and address the holistic needs of diverse communities," says David Boyd Williams, Global Director of Diversity, Sodexo. "Healthcare organizations cannot solve these challenges alone. Leaders who recognize the value of partnering across industries such as school districts, higher education, and healthcare have a unique opportunity to foster the growth of tomorrow's diverse leaders who will be well-positioned to bring insight to the needs of particular communities."

The urgency is clear: Based on Sodexo's research, nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of healthcare executives surveyed believe cultural differences can impact patient satisfaction, and nearly half (46 percent) of surveyed healthcare executives believe that diverse leadership improves clinical outcomes.