Daily News
National Minority Health Month is observed every year in April to highlight the health disparities that persist among racial and ethnic minority populations and the ways in which legislation, policies and programs can help advance health equity.
Recognizing that health is the key to progress and equity in all other things, Dr. Booker T. Washington proposed the observance of “National Negro Health Week” in April 1915. He called on local health departments, schools, churches, businesses, professional associations, and the most influential organizations in the African-American community to “pull together” and “unite… in one great National Health Movement.” That observance grew into what is today a month-long initiative to advance health equity across the country on behalf of all racial and ethnic minorities.
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.
During National Minority Health Month and throughout the year, CHD joins with its partners in raising public awareness about health and health care disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minorities and efforts to advance health equity. Despite our country’s progress towards ending health disparities, racial and ethnic minorities continue to face significant health disparities.