During April, the Unit-

ed States recognizes

Minority Health Month

(MHM) by raising

awareness about the

health disparities that

affect minority popula-

tions. MHM was first

recognized in Ohio in April of 1989. The first cele-

bration featured 81 community initiated events.

This initiative was designed to be a 30-day inclu-

sive, high visibility, wellness campaign.

In 2000, MHM became a national celebration.

The five goals established for the month, from in-

ception, remain valid today. Those goals are to:

Provide crucial information to allow individuals

to practice disease prevention;

Promote healthy lifestyles;

Showcase the providers of grassroots

healthcare resources and information;

Highlight the disparate health conditions be-

tween Ohios minority and non minority popula-

tions;

To gain additional support for on-going efforts

to improve minority health year round.

Today, the month has grown to over 100 events

planned and executed by community based agen-

cies and organizations. The creativity of these ini-

tiatives has been extraordinary.

For more information, including a calendar of

Minority Health Month events, visit:

www.mih.ohio.gov

April is Minority Health Month 15 years later: promoting health, sharing information & raising awareness remain critical