One in four Americans is a member of a racial or ethnic minority group, with Hispanics, African Americans, and American Indians making up more than a quarter of the nation's population. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that by 2050, the majority of Americans will be black, Asian, Native American, or Hispanic. In some cities and states, they already represent a majority of the population.    

But health care for many Americans in these racial and ethnic groups has not sufficiently improved in our increasingly diverse society. In too many cases, race or ethnicity still determine health status, access to health care, and health outcomes. In its report, the Sullivan Commission described the current situation: “…too many Americans are suffering life or death consequences… the time is right and our citizens are anxious for action.”

Under the leadership of Dr. Louis W. Sullivan, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Lonnie R. Bristow, former president of the American Medical Association, the Sullivan Alliance to Transform America’s Health Professions was established to increase diversity in the health professions in order to help reduce racial and ethnic health disparities. In partnership with the Health Policy Institute of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, the Alliance is comprised of 28 members

The Alliance is comprised of former members of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Committee on Institutional and Policy-Level Strategies for Increasing the Diversity of the U.S. Health Care Workforce and The Sullivan Commission on Diversity in the Healthcare Workforce. In 2004, the IOM Committee and the Sullivan Commission completed their work and issued the following reports, respectively: In the Nation’s Compelling Interest: Ensuring Diversity in the Healthcare Workforce and Missing Persons: Minorities in the Health Professions. Together, the IOM and Sullivan Commission reports, including their 62 recommendations for action, offer the nation a comprehensive blueprint for achieving diversity and ensuring cultural competency among our nation’s health professionals.

Drawing on the experience and expertise of leading health, business, community, education, and legal experts, the Alliance is harnessing the momentum created by the reports and acting on initiatives focused on the implementation of the recommendations. Through strong leadership, deep commitment, and sustainable efforts, the Sullivan Alliance aims to transform the health professions and narrow the gaps in health status and access to health care that continue to leave too many Americans at risk.