Reallocation of Organizational Resources to Improve Access to Palliative Care for Black Patients in Maryland

Hospice of the Chesapeake's Supportive Care Service identified significant disparities in access to hospice and supportive care among Black communities within its service area. To address these inequities, the organization implemented a targeted strategy focused on strengthening community trust, expanding outreach, and increasing the availability of racially concordant care. Beginning in 2017, the program invested in workforce diversification and community partnership efforts to better reflect and serve the populations most affected by serious illness. By intentionally increasing representation among clinical and leadership staff and fostering stronger relationships with Black communities, the organization sought to improve access to culturally responsive care and reduce longstanding barriers to hospice and supportive care services.