Abstract
Historically, African Americans have not been well represented in hospice care. African Americans make up approximately 12 percent of the general population, but according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, in the year 2002, African Americans constituted only 8 percent of the more than 600,000 Americans who died while receiving hospice care. As diversity increases in the United States, cultural misunderstandings and differences emerge around end‐of‐life care. This paper will focus on African Americans’ underuse of hospice services. First, the author considers the increased need for communication and cross‐cultural understanding. Second, the author discusses African American challenges and concerns that may result from cultural differences, values, spirituality, beliefs, and trust. Third, the hospice experiences of two African American families are presented. Finally, the author raises the question: What is needed to support and assist the African American community in utilizing hospice interventions?
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