Summary of Promising Programs to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

researched and compiled by Eric Jacobson, Sarah McCloskey, Erin Kennedy, and Michele Sloan
originally published in 2004

Other Sources | Health Conditions | System-wide Inerventions | Specific Ethnic Groups

State Infrastructure

last updated March 14, 2008

Arkansas | California | Connecticut | Florida | Texas

Background
Recently, states have been more forward in addressing disparities in health care among their minority populations. In order to combat these disparities, states have come up with various state infrastructures such as councils, commissions, and advisory panels. States that do not have the resources to develop a formal Office of Minority or Multicultural Health can implement the help of analysts, special project officers, and specific activities to close the gap in disparities. These offices and analysts team up with state policymakers and community organizations to develop solutions, programs, and strategies for their state.

State Programs
State programs vary from Offices of Minority and Multicultural Health to individuals working for the Governor’s Office or the State Department of Public Health, with a concentration in Minority Health. These initiatives all have the same overall goals, which are to have a formal group that addresses the issues concerning the minority populations in their state. Specifically, these offices work to reduce health disparities through community-based outreach programs that target various health conditions and diseases.

Arkansas

The state minority-health infrastructure is made up of the Office of Minority Health located within the Department of Health, as well as an independent commission that reports directly to the Governor’s Office. Together this group has a statewide plan, advisory groups, task forces, and committees specifically targeted towards reducing health disparities. This initiative also works to include other state and private-sector minority-health programs and coalitions. www.ahrq.gov/research/minor02.htm#minority

California

In order to help address health disparities for ethnic communities California has created the Office of Multicultural Health. The purpose of this office is to build a bond between the state health department and minority communities, in order to help the state health offices more effectively handle cultural-competency issues. Having an Office of Multicultural Health also encourages data collection and performance measurements of state healthcare providers. For the official OMH website, visit www.dhs.ca.gov/director/omh

Connecticut

Connecticut has created an Office of Multicultural Health (OMH) in hopes of eliminating differences in disease, disability, and death rates among minority populations. Federal, state, and private funds are used to carry out the objectives of the office such as providing education, activities, and health resources to minority groups. These funds can be used to create new programs or to help support existing ones that focus on minority health. The Office also created an advisory committee to represent diverse multicultural and multiethnic backgrounds. This committee meets quarterly to go over the preparation and implementation of reports and strategic plans. It also coordinates and discusses issues and policies related to the functions of OMH. www.dph.state.ct.us/OMCH/hpomch.htm

Florida

The state of Florida has a Commission on African American Affairs that is part of the executive Office of the Governor. This office is in charge of ensuring that African Americans in Florida receive adequate education, healthcare and welfare attention, as well as address economic and social issues. www.flsenate.gov/Statutes

Texas

The Texas Department of Public Health dedicated two million dollars toward the creation of the Office for the Elimination of Health Disparities. The office is designed to effectively address minority health and disparities issues. The structure of this office consists of a Minority Health Coordinator in the TDPH central office, staff support from the Office of Public Health Practice, and local/regional support within each office. The new office will work with communities at the local level to increase their capacity to implement strategies that improve the health status of minority and underserved populations. Additionally, it will provide and link community-based coalitions and networks with technical assistance and training for use in the development of community health plans. There is hope that links can be made with external partners to help support and finance minority programs. There will also be translator services available. The main goal of this organization is to create a link between the Department of Public Health and underserved communities. www.dshs.state.tx.us/oehd

For more information, e-mail Eric Jacobson or call him at 302-831-1711.