April is Minority Health Month

Minority Health Month

April is National Minority Health Month, a time to learn more about the health status of racial and ethnic minority populations in the U.S. The theme for 2018 is Partnering for Health Equity which highlights partnerships at the federal, state, local, tribal and territorial levels that help reduce disparities in health and health care. This year, the Office of Minority Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will celebrate impactful public and private sector collaborations that advance health equity and help improve the health of the nation.

According to the 2015 U.S. Census Bureau, African Americans make up the majority of the minority populations in the United States with 40.7 million. Hispanic/Latino Americans account for 56.5 million, Asian Americans for 17.3 million, American Indian & Alaska Native Americans for 5.2 million and Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander Americans for 1.3 million of the U.S minority populations.

What is Health Equity?

Health equity is when everyone has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

What Are Health Disparities?

Health disparities are differences in health outcomes and their causes among groups of people. For example, African American children are more likely to die from asthma compared to non-Hispanic White children. Reducing health disparities creates better health for all Americans.

Why is Health Equity Important?

Health is central to human happiness and well-being and is affected by where people live, learn, work, and play. According to the World Health Organization, health also makes an important contribution to economic progress.

For more information on Minority Health Month, visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/features/minorityhealth/index.html

https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/NMHM18/