Diversity at Mission Hospital
Asheville is most recognized for its political and socioeconomic diversity, but is also a region steeped in local heritage, as well as racial and cultural richness. While Asheville has always had a vibrant African American community, comprising approximately 18 percent of the local population of nearly 74,000 residents, only in the past decade or so has it seen a rise in its Latino population.
From 1990 to 2000, the Latino population in Asheville, and surrounding areas, boomed, contributing to a trend that gives North Carolina one of the fastest-growing Latino populations in the country. Other populations that help round out Asheville's ethnic diversity include the American Indian population, with members from the nearby reservation in Cherokee, North Carolina, and its thriving Asian population.
As a result, diversity is a top priority at Mission Hospital. We strive to be as diverse as the region we serve and, as the region's demographics evolve, so must our staff's. Currently, we are focused on recruiting qualified minorities for professional and medical staff positions while continuing to create more and better advancement opportunities for all.
It is our goal to make all employees feel valued - not only as workers, but as individuals. We view our staff as a "worldforce" - people of various ethnic heritages, religious preferences, sexual orientations, educational backgrounds and socioeconomic levels. And, we have one common goal - to provide the best healthcare possible.
We recognize that these differences enrich and add value to our collective team and we endeavor to increase our ability to relate to and earn the trust of the diverse cultures in the communities we serve through sensitivity, integrity, and education. A diverse and empowered "worldforce" leads to a sustained work and care environment. We strive for excellence in our ability to create an inclusive, respectful and equitable environment for our employees through leadership, policies and practices.
For more specific information about diversity at Mission Hospital or to talk with our Diversity Officer, visit: the diversity at Mission Web page to learn about diversity projects that are underway in addition to fun and useful resources. There is even a guide that you can download that provides information about diversity services and education in Asheville.
