An important distinction between safety net and non-safety net hospitals is the patient population they serve. More than half of public hospital patients are racial and ethnic minorities, and a majority of patients are uninsured or qualify for Medicaid. Accordingly, public hospitals have long led the health care industry in providing quality care to diverse and vulnerable communities.

Together with its members, NAPH is committed to helping reduce racial, ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic healthcare disparities. Below are examples of NAPH's work in investigating and disseminating promising practices to achieve health equity.