The Role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Training the Health Care Workforce

Abstract

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) continue to be overlooked as a resource to address health care workforce shortages and growing needs for a diverse health workforce, despite our commitment as a nation to health equity and eliminating health disparities. Health workforce graduation rates help illuminate the roles of institutions of higher education in meeting workforce needs. Effective approaches to eliminating disparities invest and leverage resources that address our health workforce and diversity deficits. We must recognize HBCUs as a valuable resource for educating underrepresented groups as health professionals. Increasing resources and enhancing support for building the capacity of HBCUs to produce health professionals is vital to addressing disparities and achieving health equity for our nation.