April is National Minority Health Month (NMHM), a time to raise awareness about the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minority communities and reducing health disparities.
This Year's Theme:
Be the Source for Better Health
Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections
This National Minority Health Month, let's shine a light on a crucial issue. Not all children have access to safe neighborhoods for play or fresh, nutritious food. These disparities can significantly impact childhood obesity rates in minority communities.
Let's be the source for better health! By advocating for safer communities and promoting access to healthy foods, we can empower every child to thrive. Together, we can make a difference.
Jazmin Evans had been waiting for a new kidney for four years when her hospital revealed shocking news: She should have been put on the transplant list in 2015 instead of 2019 — and a racially biased organ test was to blame.
That race-based equation could delay diagnosis of organ failure and evaluation for a transplant, exacerbating other disparities that already make Black patients more at risk of needing a new kidney but less likely to get one.
Minority Health Month Highlight:
Did you know? The rate of infant mortality is 60% higher in Native American and Alaskan Native communities compared to white Americans.
This staggering statistic highlights the urgent need to address health disparities and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all.
Let's continue to raise awareness, advocate for change, and work towards a future where every baby has the opportunity to thrive.
Dive deeper into the conversation on National Minority Health Month! Check out my latest article shedding light on health disparities and our collective journey toward health equity. Let's spark change together!
#NMHM #MinorityHealth #HealthDisparities #Health
https://open.substack.com/pub/nursefrombirth/p/be-the-source-for-better-health-celebrating
This April, we're focusing on health equity and the unique experiences of racial and ethnic minority groups in the US. To understand these disparities better, let's delve into population profiles!
These profiles provide a snapshot of each minority group's health status, highlighting prevalence, risk and social determinants of health.
By understanding these aspects, we can work towards creating a more equitable healthcare system for all.
American Indian/Alaska Native Health
Some of the leading diseases and causes of death among AI/AN are heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries (accidents), diabetes, and stroke. American Indians/Alaska Natives also have a high prevalence and risk factors for mental health and suicide, unintentional injuries, obesity, substance use, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), teenage pregnancy, diabetes, liver disease, and hepatitis.
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/american-indianalaska-native-health
Asian American Health
Asian Americans are most at risk for the following health conditions: cancer, heart disease, stroke, unintentional injuries (accidents), and diabetes. Asian Americans also have a high prevalence of the following conditions and risk factors: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, smoking, tuberculosis, and liver disease.
Black/African American Health
The death rate for Blacks/African Americans is generally higher than whites for COVID-19, heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma, influenza and pneumonia, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and homicide.
Hispanic/Latino Health
According to 2019 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the leading causes of death among Hispanics include cancer, heart disease, unintentional injuries (accidents), stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. In 2020, the leading cause of death for Hispanics was COVID-19.
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Health
Native Hawaiians/ Pacific Islanders have higher rates of smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity. This group also has less access to cancer prevention and control programs. Some leading causes of death among Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders include: cancer, heart disease, unintentional injuries (accidents), stroke and diabetes.
#MinorityHealth #MinorityHealthMonth
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/native-hawaiian-and-pacific-islander-health
Minority Health Spotlight
It's time to shine a light on a critical issue: maternal mortality rates are 4 times higher for black women than white.
This underscores the urgent need to address systemic inequalities in maternal healthcare. Every woman deserves access to quality care before, during, and after childbirth.
Let's come together to advocate for change, raise awareness, and ensure that every mother receives the support and resources needed to thrive.
Ensuring moms thrive from bump to beyond is crucial. During Black Maternal Health Week, let's amplify our voices to address the disparities in maternal healthcare faced by Black women. Together, let's advocate for equitable access to quality care, support, and resources. Every mother deserves to be empowered and uplifted throughout her journey.
@nursefrombirth The more I learn about the issues around Black mothers and prenatal care, the more horrifying it gets. Thank you for putting in the work to raise awareness of the issue.