April is National Minority Health Month—a time to raise awareness on issues impacting health disparities and health equity in America. The theme for 2017, Bridging Health Equity Across Communities, emphasizes the collaborative, community-level work being done across the nation to help achieve health equity.

The conditions in the places where people are born, grow, live, work, play, learn, and age have significant impact on the health outcomes of individuals, families, and their communities. Throughout the month, the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) will highlight partner initiatives in communities that address the indirect conditions that affect health, also known as social determinants of health.

From federal agencies and national partners to grantees and community-based organizations, HHS OMH is proud to salute its partners from sectors such health, education, justice, housing, transportation, nutrition, and employment as we build bridges to help end disparities in health and health care.

By addressing the social determinants of health, we can strengthen the foundation of better health.

We invite all individuals and organizations to take action in helping communities achieve their full potential for health.

ChesMRC has held several events throughout April to highlight minority health month including community health walks, plant your own garden day, community ZUMBA, our 3rd annual Minority Health Fair. Recently, thanks to a small grant provided by the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, ChesMRC hosted a “Health Disparities in Talbot County Discussion” which welcomed 35 attendees from organizations in Talbot County to discuss health disparities in our community.  To read more about these events, please visit our Facebook page.

To learn more about what you can do to promote minority health in your community, visit https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/NMHM17/