April celebrates both Diversity Month and National Minority Health Month, providing an opportunity to recognize and honor the diversity of the world around us while also addressing the disproportionate burden of premature death and illness in racial and ethnic minority groups.
Diversity Month acknowledges and embraces the diverse cultures, perspectives, and identities that make up our society. It promotes inclusivity and fosters an understanding and appreciation for the richness that diversity brings to our lives.
On the other hand, National Minority Health Month focuses specifically on addressing the health disparities experienced by racial and ethnic minority communities. It aims to raise awareness about these disparities and encourages action through health education, early detection, and control of disease complications. Both observances share a common goal of promoting equity and improving outcomes for marginalized populations. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and valuing different cultures and communities in achieving better health outcomes for all. By combining efforts, we can create a more inclusive and healthier society where everyone has equal access to quality healthcare and opportunities for overall well-being.
The U.S. Public Health Service instituted National Health Improvement Week in 1915, later known as National Negro Health Week (NNHW) in response to findings presented by Booker T. Washington, to improve the health status of the black population by educating members of the community, providing greater access to healthcare, and encouraging an increased number of black professionals in the field of public health. Booker T. Washington was the founder of what we now know as Tuskegee University.
In 2002, National Minority Health Month received support from the U.S. Congress with a concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 388) that “a National Minority Health and Health Disparities Month should be established to promote educational efforts on the health problems currently facing minorities and other populations experiencing health disparities.” The resolution encouraged “all health organizations and Americans to conduct appropriate programs and activities to promote healthfulness in minority and other communities experiencing health disparities.” (National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities)
Events
- April 2, 10, 18, 28 – Our Community Our Health – STL – pop up mobile vaccine clinics
- April 18, 2024 from 12-1pm – Collaborative Café: Conducting Research with a Racial Equity Lens, Taylor Avenue Building
- April 11, 2024 at 6:30pm – Black Maternal Health, Virtual Event
- April 12-13, 2024 – Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience, Goldfarb School of Nursing, St. Louis, MO
- April 17, 2024 at 11:00am (EST) – Strategies to Increase Clinical Trial Participation for Diverse Communities, A Panel Discussion with the OMHHE REACH Consortium, Virtual Event
