April Is Minority Health Month

Calendar of Tennessee Events Included on Web

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed April Minority Health Month in Tennessee. The state Department of Health and its Division of Minority Health and Disparity Elimination join minority health advocates and providers nationwide in the annual observance, which is designed to raise awareness about health issues that affect minority populations. Activities planned during the month encourage faith-based and community based organizations, businesses, health care professionals and others to get involved to improve the health status of minority populations and to eliminate health disparities.

“We have made significant inroads to improve the health status of Tennesseans, but we still have work to do, especially for populations of color,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper MSN, RN. “Though a significant number of residents suffer from obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure, the prevalence is far greater among African-Americans and Hispanics in our state. This is unacceptable, and we all must begin the journey to better health.”

This year, the federal Office of Minority Health has chosen the theme “Man Up for Your Health! Healthy Men Move Our Communities Forward” to bring attention to the health of minority men and to emphasize the pivotal role they play in the advancement of families and communities. The goals established for NMHM include building public/private partnerships, fostering cultural competence among providers, encouraging health education and training, and expanding the use of state-of-the art technology.

The Department of Health’s Division of Minority Health and Disparity Elimination has compiled a comprehensive calendar of events planned for Minority Health Month. A complete listing of events planned around the state can be found on the DMHDE Web site at http://health.state.tn.us/dmhde/mhcalendar.shtml.

“Men need to know that the biggest threats to their health are mainly preventable,” said Lesia D. Walker, acting director of Tennessee Department of Health’s Division of Minority Health and Disparity Elimination. “It’s time that men take charge of their health by getting regular check-ups and screenings, steps important to prevent health issues later in life.”

On average men die almost six years younger than women and suffer higher mortality rates for the leading causes of death. African-American men have the lowest life expectancy of any minority group and suffer disproportionately from conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. While life expectancy for men has increased, statistics clearly indicate that significant improvements are still needed in the area of men’s health.

In 2008, the most recent year for which data are available, the department’s Division of Health Statistics lists among the top threats to men’s health as:

• heart disease
• cancer
• accidents
• chronic respiratory disease
• stroke
• diabetes
• suicide
• flu and pneumonia
• chronic liver disease 

Steps necessary to increase the chance of living a longer and healthier life include stopping tobacco use, eating a healthy diet, staying physically active and getting regular check-ups. Some of the health screenings recommended for men include screening for blood pressure, colorectal and prostate cancer, diabetes, depression and sexually transmitted diseases.

The mission of the Division of Minority Health and Disparity Elimination is to promote health policies, programs and services designed to improve health and quality of life by preventing and controlling the disproportionate burden of disease, injury and disability among racial and ethnic minority populations. The Division seeks to partner with organizations, community groups and citizens who are concerned about minority health disparities. The Division is committed to educating and informing others about the conditions that adversely affect minority populations and is working to developing innovative and creative solutions for eliminating health disparities that exist in Tennessee.

For more information about Minority Health Month and statewide events in Tennessee, call (615) 741-9443.