Celebrate National Minority Health Awareness Month
At Community Access Network, we believe that everyone deserves easily accessible, high-quality, affordable healthcare. Unfortunately, some populations don’t get the care they need and deserve. April is National Minority Health Awareness Month, and we think it’s important to understand the necessity for equal access to excellent healthcare.
What is National Minority Health Awareness Month?
While the discussion about discrimination and inequity in society is slowly increasing, there are a few areas that are commonly overlooked. For example, did you know that the disparity between minority and majority populations is perhaps most keenly felt when it comes to health concerns and health care? Knowledge of these dangers dates as far back as the early 20th century, with Booker T. Washington establishing National Negro Health Week in 1915. In 2002, this was expanded to a National Minority Health/Health Disparities Awareness month when Congress passed a resolution designating April as the month for observance.
April was ultimately named “National Minority Health Awareness Month” in accordance with the Congressional order.
Why does National Minority Health Awareness Month matter?
National Minority Health Awareness Month is important for a few different reasons.
- First, it helps build awareness about the higher-than-average rates of illness and death in minority racial and ethnic groups. This helps educate current, past and future generations about the struggles these individuals face as they seek something as simple as competent medical care.
- It also encourages individuals within the minority group to seek preventative care by educating them about the importance of early detection and timely control of diseases.
- Additionally, National Minority Health Awareness Month is responsible for educating individuals outside of minority groups about the importance of advocating for equal access to quality care.
What health risks do minority groups face?
One of the most concerning health risks disproportionately faced by minority populations is heart disease. Heart disease is an incredibly destructive disease that ultimately results in early death if left untreated and/or undetected. There are a few reasons that minority groups face an increased risk of heart disease. The most common of these is the lack of access to quality healthcare, which naturally leads to lower awareness of the risks.
Community Access Network is dedicated to helping all our patients avoid developing heart disease and, where the problem has already been diagnosed, managing complications in order to extend the quality and duration of life.
For more information about how to secure quality care for anyone of any background or ethnicity, reach out to our team today!
