April is designated as National Minority Health Month. (Black PR Wire) Every April, National Minority Health Month allows us to consider the advancements our nation has made in achieving health equity. The theme for this year, “Advancing Commitments to Eliminate Health Disparities,” emphasizes that ensuring equal health results demands ongoing effort and teamwork within communities. Dr. Rudy Moise, a respected and prominent leader in the community, as well as a physician, attorney, and business professional, emphasizes the necessity of putting health first. Dr. Moise states that important factors for a healthy and happy body include scheduling and attending doctors’ appointments, adhering to a nutritious diet, ensuring sufficient sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity. “Your well-being is your greatest asset, so maintain communication with your doctors, and together we can achieve this.” Despite advancements in healthcare access, disparities in health outcomes continue to exist for racial and ethnic minority groups, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous American communities. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African Americans are 30% more likely to succumb to heart disease than non-Hispanic whites. Furthermore, Hispanic adults face a 70% higher chance of being diagnosed with diabetes, and Indigenous Americans experience the lowest life expectancy at birth. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) indicates that these disparities arise from a variety of intricate factors, such as healthcare access and cultural differences. Tackling these disparities necessitates careful and sustained approaches involving healthcare systems, community groups, and policymakers.
