STRATEGIC PLAN - ASPE - U.S. Department of Health and Human ...

CHAPTER 4: human servicesRacial/Ethnic DiversityDiversity has long been a characteristic of the Nation’spopulation, but the racial and ethnic composition haschanged over time. In recent decades, the percentof the population that is of Hispanic or Asian originhas more than doubled. In 2000, 19 percent of thepopulation identified themselves as Black or African-American, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native,Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, or of morethan one race; 12.6 percent of the total U.S. populationidentified themselves as of Hispanic origin. The U.S.Census Bureau projects that by 2010, 20.7 percent of thetotal U.S. population will identify themselves as Blackor African-American, Asian, American Indian or AlaskaNative, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, orof more than one race; and 15.5 percent will identifythemselves as of Hispanic origin. xxxviThe U.S. Census Bureau also reports that nearly onein five people, or 47 million U.S. residents age 5 andolder, spoke a language other than English at homein 2000—an increase of 15 million people since 1990.According to the report, Spanish speakers increasedfrom 17.3 million in 1990 to 28.1 million in 2000, a 62percent rise. Only 55 percent of the people who speak alanguage other than English at home report they speakEnglish “very well.” xxxviiThese changes in the racial and ethnic compositionof the population have important consequences forthe Nation’s health because many of the measures ofdisease and disability differ significantly by race andethnicity. These shifts in the racial and ethnic makeupof the United States require health professionals andorganizations to achieve cultural competence andto ensure that they utilize appropriate and tailoredapproaches in working with these population groups.HHS Strategic Plan FY 2007-2012111