And yet there are thousands of job openings everyday in Minnesota's health systems. At Allina alone, there are 1,600 positions we're trying to fill. Third, the demographics in health care employment magnify the many cultural barriers for populations of color who are trying to access Minnesota's health systems. As a lifelong resident of Minnesota, I am embarrassed by this tragic fact. We believe it might be, and we are willing to test that proposition.
Employment is central to social status, one of the most powerful predictors of health outcomes.
Given a chance to employ more Minnesotans from minority communities in decent-paying health careers, we believe we can begin to close the gap in minority health status. At a time of change, now is the time for bold steps. I think the Health Careers Institute is a bold step forward. If you know someone who would benefit by the health careers institute, please let them know about it. As a health care professional, helping someone enroll in the institute might be the biggest contribution you make this year to improving their health status.