This April, we celebrate National Minority Health Month, a time to acknowledge the health disparities that exist among racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. It is an opportunity to highlight the importance of taking action to address and ultimately end these inequities.
The theme for this year’s celebration, Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections, emphasizes the impact of social determinants of health on minority populations. These factors include environments, cultures, histories, and circumstances that can influence health outcomes.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) works closely with public health and community-based partners to improve health outcomes for minority populations. By providing quality, equitable, and respectful care and services that are culturally responsive, OMH aims to address the diverse cultural health beliefs and practices, preferred languages, economic and environmental circumstances, and health literacy levels of these populations.
By offering culturally and linguistically appropriate information, individuals are empowered to make healthier choices for themselves, their families, and their communities. National Minority Health Month serves as a reminder of the importance of creating a healthcare system that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of all individuals, regardless of their background or ethnicity.
