In 2019, Black individuals comprised 12.1% of the US health care workforce. It's difficult to find more specific data on the allied health professions specifically, but given that only 3 % of Speech Language Pathologists are Black--- it's safe to say that the numbers are generally disproportionate.
This needs to change. Why? (See 10 reasons below)
1. To give Black people greater access to culturally diverse professionals— who may be more likely to understand their lives and their unique challenges
2. To help lessen the racial health disparity gap (self explanatory)
3. SLP salaries (good salaries) can help minorities lessen the racial wealth gap in America
4. To increase Black SLP visibility and show future Black generations that’s it’s possible to have not only “jobs” but “[professional careers”
5. To put Black people in rooms where national healthcare decisions are made
6. To ensure more research related to the complex speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive needs of Black people are prioritized
7. Because the diversity of a healthcare workforce should reflect the diversity of communities
8.Because Black people too often get mistaken for custodial or kitchen staff when we enter a hospital room! Hence, representative in other career paths is needed.
9. Because there is a direct correlation between diverse representation in healthcare and better overall health outcomes
10. Because Black people can excel at careers that require not only intelligence but also critical thinking, compassion, leadership, and so much more.
That's it. That's the post.
Have a great day!
References:
Salsberg E, Richwine C, Westergaard S, Portela Martinez M, Oyeyemi T, Vichare A, Chen CP. Estimation and Comparison of Current and Future Racial/Ethnic Representation in the US Health Care Workforce. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 Mar 1;4(3)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2022). 2021 Member and affiliate profile. www.asha.org
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