VITAS Innovative Hospice Care^® holds diversity as a core value. We serve diverse patients, employ diverse staff, embrace diverse causes and lifestyles, and support diverse communities globally. Learn more about VITAS’ diverse causes and international outreach by clicking here.

As general awareness and utilization of hospice services grow, racial and ethnic groups still lag in accessing compassionate end-of-life care. The percentages of African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans benefiting from hospice care are less than their share of the overall U.S. population. Those African American, Hispanic and Asian American patients who do not receive hospice care also tend to enroll in hospice later than white patients. Read more about how VITAS reaches out to underserved populations. 

VITAS is committed to improving these imbalances by reaching out to local churches, community-based organizations and community leaders. We are the only national hospice provider with a significant presence in communities of color. And VITAS works as a hospice advocate in Washington and state capitals where we work with policy makers and others to promote access to quality hospice care, especially for underserved communities of color. 

In addition, our policy representatives work aggressively to advocate the Medicare Hospice Benefit and educate policy makers about hospice’s compassionate care for patients and families and its cost-effectiveness.

VITAS also is committed to recruiting a diverse staff—more than half of our workforce is comprised of minorities. To learn more about how VITAS promotes a culturally diverse workforce, click here. “VITAS really embraces people from different nationalities, ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles as employees,” says Peggy Pettit, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

“It’s important for patients and families that the hospice caregivers who come into their home understand their culture, the types of food they like, their beliefs about death and dying, and the intimate details of family relationships. We believe that when we match our patients’ and families’ values and cultures with those of our caregivers, it’s a much more meaningful experience for all,” Peggy explains.