Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
AAHPM strives to be an organization where all individuals and communities join together to support one another and work together to deliver the best care possible to patients with serious illness and their families.
Our Pledge to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
To improve the quality of hospice and palliative care, the Academy models inclusion and embraces diverse backgrounds and perspectives of those with whom we work and the patients and families we serve. We are committed to building a community and field that is diverse across many dimensions including age, gender, gender identity, ability, education, ethnicity, nationality, political opinion, professional experience, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.
Dedication to a Welcoming Environment
We are concerned with creating space for the difficult conversations, hearing all voices and providing leadership where it is needed in our governance, leadership, membership, operations, and programs, resulting in the delivery of culturally effective, respectful care to all patients and stakeholders. AAHPM promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences. We are committed to supporting and sustaining an environment that facilitates open dialogue, learning, leadership, and growth for all of our members.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resources
AAHPM is committed to educating and building a community that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. View a list of resources to broaden your knowledge and understanding.
AAHPM Earns Power of A Award
In recognition of its efforts to create an inclusive and educational environment that recognizes and thrives from the diverse backgrounds, cultures and convictions of its members and the patients and families they serve, AAHPM was selected to receive the coveted Power of A Gold Award from the American Society of Association Executives.
Read more about this honor on the AAHPM blog.
Demographic Data Collection
Beginning September 2023, AAHPM will begin collecting demographic data from members regarding race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please refer to the glossary of terms and definitions on the member profile page. The glossary will be updated on an annual basis to ensure that the content reflects the evolution of language.
Information collected will be on a voluntary basis and confidential. Individual information will never be shared. The collection of this data will help the organization get to know our members better and support our diversity, equity and inclusion work.
We welcome feedback to ensure its continual improvement, feel free to email Linda Sterling, DEI and Membership Engagement Manager at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Terminology
Diversity
Diversity refers to the composition of a group of people from any number of demographic backgrounds, identities (innate and selected), and the collective strength of their experiences, beliefs, values, skills and perspectives.
Equitable Environment
An equitable environment challenges intentional and unintentional forms of bias, harassment and discrimination and promotes alternative actions. As an environment can be welcoming and inequitable, attention will be paid to recognizing and eliminating barriers to full participation at individual and systemic levels.
Inclusion
Inclusion is the act of establishing philosophies, policies, practices, and procedures to ensure equal access to opportunities and resources to support individuals in contributing to the organization's success.
The AAHPM Board of Directors approved a multi-year Diversity Strategic Plan that supports evidence-based practices in diversity and inclusion, and core themes in diversity and inclusion as described by members, volunteers, and thought leaders in the field.
Communities
AAHPM has many communities that you can join and network in. These forums are also a resource for those in practice:
- Black Professionals, Patients and Families in HPM
- East and South Asian Professionals, Patients, and Families in HPM
- Latinx Professionals, Patients and Families in HPM
- LGBTQ+
Learn more and join a community to be a part of the discussions.
Strategic Goals
Leadership and Engagement
Create opportunities for expanding the conversation regarding diversity, equity and inclusion within AAHPM and amongst its board, committees and member communities.
Knowledge and Performance Improvement
Equip hospice and palliative care professionals with knowledge and skills to deliver high quality and culturally competent care to increasingly diverse patient populations.
Workforce Strategies
Create a workforce that reflects the diverse patient populations we serve.
Research
Support the conduct and dissemination of research to improve the care of diverse patient populations.
View the Diversity Strategic Plan.