Gov. Bevin: April is Minority Health Month

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – To coincide with the national observance, Governor Matt Bevin has proclaimed  April  Minority Health Month in Kentucky. The Department for Public Health (DPH), within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), is working to heighten awareness of health issues disproportionately affecting minority populations throughout the Commonwealth.

As part of the official proclamation, Gov. Bevin stated, “health disparities impose significant costs and place a heavy toll on the health and productivity of the citizens of the Commonwealth. All Kentuckians can improve health outcomes in Kentucky by strengthening health programs and raising awareness to reduce and eliminate health disparities.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (@MinorityHealth) and the Food and Drug Administration Office of Minority Health (@FDAOMH) are hosting a twitter chat as part of National Minority Health Month this afternoon. The 2 p.m. (EST) chat focuses on understanding social and environmental determinants of health to bridge health equity. Kentuckians are encouraged to join the conversation at #HealthEquityChat.

“By advancing health equity, public health professionals are able to reduce health disparities among minority populations which is a critical step towards building a stronger, healthier Kentucky for all residents,” said Dr. Hiram Polk, Jr.  DPH commissioner.

Minority populations in Kentucky suffer from higher rates of poverty with the highest poverty rate being among African-American and Hispanic residents. These populations are a greater risk to experience increased burdens of morbidity and mortality from acute and chronic illnesses.

Kentucky’s infant mortality rate among African-American infants is nearly twice the rate of Caucasian infants. African Americans in Kentucky have the highest rates of obesity, cancer diagnoses and cancer deaths, diabetes, and HIV diagnosis.