April 2025 marks another observance of National Minority Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the health disparities that persist among minority groups in the United States. The theme for National Minority Health Month 2025 is "Advancing Commitments to Eliminate Health Disparities."  The goal is to advocate for equitable healthcare policies and practices while addressing the long-standing systemic issues that contribute to poorer health outcomes. This month also underscores the need to empower marginalized communities with the knowledge and resources to achieve better health outcomes.

The origins of National Minority Health Awareness Month can be traced back to the 1980s, when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Office of Minority Health (OMH), took steps to address the growing health disparities between racial and ethnic minority populations and the general population. National Minority Health Awareness Month was formally recognized in 2000, when it became a key part of efforts to raise awareness about the unique health needs and challenges faced by minority communities.

Certain diseases and chronic conditions disproportionately affect specific ethnic or racial groups. These disparities are often influenced by social determinants of health, such as environmental factors and access to healthcare, rather than biological differences. For instance, higher rates of asthma are more commonly found in minority populations living in areas with poor air quality, highlighting the role of environmental influences on health outcomes. A person’s social, religious, language or cultural practices may also influence the way they use health services. Some of these disparities include:

• Higher Prevalence of Chronic Conditions: African Americans are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic whites, and they also have a higher risk of hypertension, with nearly 40% of African American adults affected.
• Limited Access to Healthcare: According to the CDC, 27.5% of African Americans and 23.4% of Hispanics in the U.S. report not having a usual source of healthcare, compared to 16.6% of non-Hispanic whites.
• Social Determinants of Health: People in low-income neighborhoods, which often have higher proportions of minority populations, are 2 to 3 times more likely to live in food deserts, limiting access to nutritious food. 
• Cultural and Linguistic Barriers: An estimated 26 million people in the U.S. speak English less than "very well," with many facing challenges in accessing healthcare due to language barriers. This disproportionately affects Hispanic and Asian American populations.
• Underrepresentation in Clinical Trials: African Americans make up only 5% of clinical trial participants, despite being 12% of the U.S. population, leading to a lack of data on how treatments impact minority groups.
• Environmental Hazards: A study found that 70% of Black Americans live in areas that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency's limits for air pollution, contributing to higher rates of respiratory illnesses like asthma.

National Minority Health Awareness Month 2025 in Michigan will feature a wide range of events and activities hosted by various organizations, including health departments, universities, and community groups. Throughout April, these events will offer educational seminars, health screenings, and discussions focused on advancing health equity. The initiative aims to promote a more inclusive healthcare system, expand access to essential resources, and foster collaborative solutions that ensure all Michiganders—regardless of race, ethnicity, or background—have the opportunity to achieve better health and well-being. Check with your local public health office for more details.

The Michigan State Medical Society is pleased to announce the next webinar in the public health series:

Michigan's Public Health Webinar Series: The Structure of Public Health in Michigan

Join us on Wednesday, May 21^st from 12:00 to 12:45 pm to hear Jennifer Morse, MD, MPH, FAAFP, provide a presentation on the structure of public health in Michigan. 

Please CLICK HERE to register. 

You can view past webinars in this series and other topics by visiting the website at www.msms.org/eduction.  As a member of MSMS, you receive access to FREE Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses.