This April, the theme for National Minority Health Month 2021 is #VaccineReady. This focus was chosen by the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) to bring awareness to and address the “disproportionate impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on” racial, ethnic, and cultural minority communities in the U.S.*

Why the theme #VaccineReady?

The goal of the #VaccineReady theme is to empower minority communities to:

• Access and share accurate pre- and post-COVID-19 vaccine information
• Conveniently obtain vaccinations
• Practice effective COVID-19 safety measures both inside and outside their homes
• Locate and participate in clinical trials

Minority health resources 

To promote minority community health, the OMH is providing a wide variety of resources—articles, videos, infographics, factsheets, apps, widgets, and more—such as:

• A health disparities report that includes information about state-specific initiatives 
• The Healthy People 2030, a health disparities data widget for health disparity information
• A knowledge center to access resources regarding the health status of racial and ethnic minority populations in the U.S.

On their website, the CDC also has a Minority Health page, which provides many helpful resources, including:

• Reports on health disparities and strategies
• Resources and links focusing on LGBTQIA+ health and wellness
• Blog devoted to raising awareness about health inequities
• Access to a quarterly electronic newsletter devoted to health equity
• List of events concerning minority health
• Free courses and webinars, including health literacy training

Understanding health disparity and health equity

Health disparities are differences in health outcomes among different groups of people. For example, African American children are more likely to die from asthma compared to non-Hispanic white children. Finding out the causes of those differences and remedying them creates better health for all Americans.

Health equity describes conditions in which all people have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Vibrant health is integral to happiness, well-being, and economic vitality and growth.  The HHS and CDC work together to advance health equity through programs and support across the nation.

Stay informed of all National Minority Health Month news by following the OMH on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

*Office of Minority Health. (2021, Mar. 1). National Minority Health Month. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/Content.aspx?ID=21522&lvl=2&lvlid=12