State Profiles: Minority Health and Health Equity Offices  

Updated February 2009

40 states have offices of minority health. These offices have various titles; some are established as official minority health entities (such as an office, commission, council, center, branch, project or other unit) by either executive or legislative action. 4 states have designated minority health contacts but do not have an official office or commission. All of these offices share a common goal to improve health disparities within their state. However, each state has a unique way of addressing issues that are most pressing among their needy populations. Many states are  moving toward the idea of health equity instead of health disparity in hopes to put a more positive spin on addressing health care, as a result 6 states have created a health equity office or initiative which involves eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health. Below is the contact information for directors along with a detailed description of state actions that created these offices.

State actions creating Offices and/or Commissions on Minority Health
First Letter of State: A C D F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W

State Contact Information	Description
Alabama Department of Public Health Office of Minority Health The RSA Tower 201 Monroe Street, Suite 710 Montgomery, AL  36104 Phone: (334) 206-5396 Toll Free: 1-800-255-1992 Fax: (334) 206-5434 Director: Gwendolyn Lipscomb, R.N., MSN	In May 1991,  Alabama State Health Officer established the Minority Health Section within the Alabama State Department of Primary Care and Rural Health to facilitate local and state level partnerships addressing health disparities in Alabama. In July 2006, the Office of Minority Health was formed as an expansion and status elevation of the Minority Health Section that had been created in 1991. A Minority Health Advisory Council was established in 1999 to advise the AL-OMH on policy issues, health planning and strategies for the elimination of health disparities. In 2007 the Council transitioned into a Health Disparities Advisory Council within the Alabama Department of Public Health structure. The membership composition consists of program management staff such as chronic disease directors, maternal and child health directors, a communicable disease staff and an emergency preparedness staff. State plan to reduce disparities In 2007, Alabama created a statewide plan to address health disparities. The Department of Public Health along with the state Office of Minority Health are responsible for implementing the strategies they have come up with to reduce health disparities. Click here to view the Health Disparities through the Lifespan report and strategies.
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Health Planning and Systems Development Tribal Health Program Office of the Commissioner P.O. Box 110601 Juneau, Alaska 99811 Phone (907) 465-8534 Fax (907) 465-6861 Alaska Primary Care Council: Mark Millard, LCSW	The Alaska Primary Care Office was established within the Office of the Commissioner. Its mission is to address health care access and workforce disparities that exist in Alaska through the expansion of new access points and the support of existing health centers. The Department of Health and Social Services created the Tribal Health Program. The goal is to assist with maximization of Medicaid revenue generation and expand Medicaid service delivery within the tribal health care system. State plan to reduce disparities Alaska addresses health disparities in a variety of statewide plans. Click here to view a list of Alaska State Health Plans and Special Reports from their Department of Health and Social Services.
Arizona Department of Health Services Health Disparities Center 1740 W. Adams St. Suite 410 Phoenix, AZ 85007 Phone: (602) 542-1219 Fax (602) 542-2011 Office Chief: Zipatly Mendoza	In 1993, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) established a liaison position to address minority health issues in Arizona. It intended to act as a link between the community and ADHS in the development and implementation of programs, services and policies with particular regard to cultural awareness. However, this position was never a full-time funded position and eventually lost its alternative sources of funding. The Center for Minority Health (CMH) was re-established in February 2004 within the Office of Health Systems Development (OHSD) to coordinate statewide efforts and implement work activities specific to minority health. In September 2006, CMH changed its name to the Arizona Health Disparities Center. State plan to reduce disparities In 2001, the Arizona Department of Health Services created Healthy Arizona 2010: Collaborating for a Healthier Future- A Strategic Plan. Click here to view the report created in 2005 on Differences in Health Status Among Ethnic Groups, a follow up report to Healthy Arizona 2010.
Arkansas Department of Health Office of Minority Health P.O. Box 1437 Little Rock , AR 72203 Phone: (501) 661-2622 Fax: (501) 661-2414 Director: Christine Patterson	Ark. Public Act 1571 (2003 SB945) requires the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, the Department of Health, and the Minority Health Commission to study disparities in health and health care between minority and majority communities. Ark. Stat. Ann. § 25-10-122 (1991) creates an Office of Minority Mental Health within the Division of Mental Health of the Department of Human Services. The head of the Office of Minority Mental Health shall be appointed by the director of the Department of Human Services. Ark. Stat. Ann. § 25-10-102 (1991) establishes the Arkansas Minority Health Commission. There will be 12 members who have actively participated in health issues for minorities or have special knowledge or experience with minority health issues. State plan to reduce disparities In 2001, the 76th General Assemblyproposed an interim study to describe the differences in health outcomes by race and ethnicity in Arkansas and the factors that contribute to the observed health and healthcare disparities. The study is used by the state Minority Health Commission to develop initiatives that reduce the disparities found in the study. Click here to view the study conducted in 2004.
California Department of Public Health Office of Multicultural Health P. O. Box 997413, MS 0022 Sacramento, CA 95899-7413 Phone: (916) 440-7560 Fax: (916) 440-7565  Office E-mail Chief: Laura Hardcastle	Cal. Chapter No. 713 (2003 SB 853) took effect on January 1, 2009 and requires health, dental and specialty insurers to provide members with interpretive services when needed. The bill was originally signed in 2003 but implementation was stalled while insurer concerns over costs were addressed. The Department of Managed Health Care will oversee implementation of the law including the launching of a campaign to increase awareness of the new services. Cal. Health and Safety Code § 150-152 declares that the health status of California's racial and ethnic communities is poor relative to the health status of the white population. The Office of Multicultural Health was established to close the gaps in health status and access to care among the state's diverse racial and ethnic communities. Cal. Health and Safety Code § 106000-106036 (2003 AB9) establishes the Urban Community Health Institute at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science; creates centers to eliminate health disparities, to address disparities in the delivery of health services to multicultural populations in specified areas of Los Angeles County; provides that the institute would consist of 3 clinical centers and a shared resource core. State plan to reduce disparities The Office of Multicultural Health hopes to release their plan to reduce disparities by the summer of 2009. In 2008, the Department of Public Health created a strategic plan with goals to improve overall health. The first goal in the plan is to increase quality and years of healthy life, reduce disparities and promote health equity. Click here to view the Department of Public Health Strategic Plan.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Office of Health Disparities 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246-1530 Phone: (303) 692.2087 Fax: (303) 691.7746 Program E-mail Director: Mauricio Palacio	Colo. Rev. Stat. § 25-4-2204 (2007 SB 242) concerns the statutory creation of the existing Office of Health Disparities in combination with the Minority Health Advisory Commission and the Interagency Health Disparities Leadership Council  in the Department of Public Health and Environment. State plan to reduce disparities In 2005, a report on Racial and Ethnic Minorities in Colorado lead to the creation of SB 242, legislation that established and recognized the Office of Health Disparities and the Advisory Interagency Council and Commission on Minority Health, all which now create plans to reduce disparities. Click here to view the report created by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Connecticut Department of Public Health Office of Multicultural Health Health Disparities Project 410 Capitol Avenue Hartford, Connecticut 06134-0308 Phone: (860) 509-8098 Director: Nancy Berger, MPH	Conn. P.A. 171 (2008 SB 681)  establishes a Minority Health Advisory Council to eliminate health disparities in race, ethnicity and language. It calls for equal access to the highest attainable standard of health a human right and state priority and recognizes that barriers prevent such equality based on race, ethnicity, national origin and linguistic ability. It outlines the composition of the Commission on Health Equality including designated representatives from various minority groups. This commission is given various powers and duties including submission or review of relevant legislation, collection and review of performance measures, advising the Governor and the Assembly, acting as a liaison for those suffering from health disparities, conducting hearings and evaluating policies to eliminate disparities. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-4j (1998) establishes within the Department of Public Health, an Office of Multicultural Health. The office will be responsible for improving the health of all state residents by eliminating differences in disease, disability and death rates among ethnic, racial and cultural populations. State plan to reduce disparities The Connecticut Office of Multicultural Health hopes to release a statewide plan to reduce disparities by summer 2009. The office of Multicultural Health is using the National Standards for Culturally Competent and Linguistically Appropriate established by the federal Office of Minority Health to develop their plan.
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Minority Health Services 417 Federal Street Jesse Cooper Building Dover, DE 19901 Phone: (302) 744-4700 FAX: (302) 739-6659 Interim Director: Dr. Herman Ellis	In 1994, Governor Thomas Carper signs an executive order which establishes the Minority Health Services within the Division of Public Health. State plan to reduce disparities The 2008 Delaware Racial and Ethnic Disparities Health Status Report Card was created in hopes to build collaboration on addressing health disparities among state law makers, officials and the state health department. The Delaware Health and Social Services Division of Public Health will establish a plan as a result of the report card. Click here to view the report card.
Florida Department of Health Office of Minority Health 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # A25 Tallahassee, FL  32399-1746 Phone: (850) 245-4941  Fax: (850) 245-4124 Office E-mail Director: Emile Commedore, M.D., J.D. Contact Phone for Director: (850) 245-4444, ext. 4074	Fla. 2008 HB 7009 This appropriations bill includes a line item reduction in funding for minority health initiatives.  Fla. Stat. § 20.43 (2004) establishes the Office of Minority Health within the Department of Health. Fla. Stat. § 14.27 creates the Florida Commission on African-American Affairs within the Executive Office of the Governor. The commission is assigned to develop strategies and plans to address the economic, social, educational, health, and welfare needs of Florida's African-Americans. Fla. Stat. § 381.7353 redesignated the existing Minority Health Affairs Council to the Minority Health Affairs Commission. The law creates the commission, outlines the appointment of members and officers, establishes the powers and duties and terminates it on October 1, 2004. State plan to reduce disparities Fla. Stat. § 381.7351  created The Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities "Closing the Gap" grant program. The state office of Minority Health is required to provide workshops and conferences on innovative and evidence based approaches to equip projects and the community on methods to identify, address and eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities. Click here to view the Projects Report.
Georgia Department of Community Health Office of Minority Health 2 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: (404) 463-4013 Fax: (404) 657-2769 Executive Director: James T. Peoples	Ga. Code Ann. § 31-5A-4 (2004 SB 503) relating to the powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities of the Department of Community Health, so as to create the Office of Minority Health within the Department of Community Health; to provide for an advisory council to be appointed by the Governor; to provide for the functions and duties of the Office of Minority Health; to provide for a full-time executive director; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. State plan to reduce disparities Georgia Department of Community Health developed the Health Equity Initiative which is a state initiative to improve long-term outcomes of racial and ethnic disparities in health. Click here to view the 2008 Georgia Health Disparities Report created by the Georgia Department of Community Health, Health Equity Initiative.
Hawaii Department of Health Office of Health Equity 1250 Punchbowl Street, Room 257 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Ph: (808) 586-4646 Fax (808) 586-4444 Office E-mail Interim Coordinator: David (Kawika) Liu	The Office of Health Equity (OHE) was established in 2000 under the direction of Dr. Chiyome Leinaala Fukino, Director of the Hawaii State Department of Health. OHE is not mandated by state statute nor is it currently part of the Department’s formal organizational chart.  Fukino has begun the process of establishing the Office as part of the Department’s organizational chart where it will be placed in the Office of Planning, Program and Policy Development. OHE focuses on health disparities among Hawaii's indigenous population. As of February 2009, the Office of Health Equity is under reconstruction, a plan to eliminate disparities is to be released after the office's relaunching conference in August of 2009. State plan to reduce disparities The Hawaii Office of Health Equity hopes to release a statewide plan to reduce disparities by fall 2009 after a conference of Health Equity in the state is held in August.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare State Office of Rural Health and Primary Care 450 West State Street- 4th floor PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0036 Phone: (208) 334-0669 Fax: (208) 332-7262 Conact: Mary Sheridan	Idaho does not have a designated state office of minority health, multicultural health or an office of health disparities. Although data and programs exist inside and outside of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, there is no central repository for identifying, cataloguing or disseminating minority health or health disparity data and information. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare conducts its minority health and health disparity activities through the State Office of Rural Health & Primary Care (SORH), located within the Bureau of Health Planning and Resource Development in the Division of Health.
Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Minority Health Services 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone: (217) 782-4977 Fax: (217) 782-3987 TTY: 800-547-0466  Cheif: Doris Turner	Ill. Rev. Stat. Ch. 20, § 2310-215 (1991) establishes a Center for Minority Health Services. The center will advise the department on matters pertaining to the health needs of minority populations and recommend treatment methods and programs that are sensitive and relevant to minority populations. Ill. Rev. Stat. Ch. 20, § 2310-210 creates an Advisory Panel on Minority Health consisting of 25 members appointed by the Director of Public Health. The members shall represent health professions and the General Assembly. State plan to reduce disparities Illinois Center for Minority Health Services is currently in the process of creating a state plan to reduce health disparities.
Indiana State Department of Health Office of Minority Health 2 North Meridian St, 8G Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: (317) 233-7596 FAX: (317) 233-7943 Director: Antoniette Holt	Ind. Code § 16-46-6 creates the Interagency State Council on Black and Minority Health consisting of 17 members from the legislature, the governor's office, state agencies and departments, health care providers and state organizations concerned with the health, economic, social or educational needs of minorities. The council will identify and study the special health care needs and health problems of minorities as well as the factors that contribute to these problems. Ind. Code § 16-46-6-2 adds Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander to the definition of minority under the interagency state council on black and minority health; changes council membership; requires the council to develop and implement a plan to address health disparities of minority populations in regards to objectives including mental health and substance abuse. State plan to reduce disparities In April 2003, the Indiana Department of Health created a Minority Health Plan for the state, the plan included focal objectives. Click here to view the Healthy Indiana Minority Health Plan. Ind. Code § 16-46-6 which created the Interagency Council on Black and Minority Health produced a report in 2007. The report outlines key data findings of the council as well as three critical health focus areas to be addressed. These focus areas for improving minority health will act as a launching pad for action within Indiana on every level - residents, public health providers, community organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders - to address health inequities and improve the health and environment of all Indiana residents. Click here to view the report.
Iowa Department of Public Health Office of Multicultural Health Lucas State Office Building 321 East 12th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50319 (515) 281-4904 Fax: (515)242-6013 Minority Health Consultant: Janice Edmunds-Wells, MSW	Iowa Code § 135.12 establishes the Office of Multicultural Health within the Department of Public Health and assigns duties the office shall be responsible for. State plan to reduce disparities The Iowa Department of Public Health's Office of Multicultural Health Strategic Plan for FY2007 to FY 2011 created in 2007 invited 21 representatives, key informants throughout the state and 5 state personnel to help chart a strategic map for the state OMH staff as the office strengthens its infrastructure over the next few years. Click here to see the strategic plan.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment Center for Health Disparities Office of the Secretary Kansas Department of Health and Environment 1000 SW Jackson Suite 540 Topeka, KS  66612-1368 Phone: (785) 296-5577 Fax: (785) 296-6231 Program Manager: Sharon L. Goolsby, RN	In September 2005, The Kansas Department of Health and Environment under the direction of Secretary Roderick L. Bremby established a Health Disparities Advisory Board in whose focus would be to help establish a strategic framework and direction for the Office of Minority Health. Specifically, the group was directed to help institute a framework aimed at addressing and eliminating health disparities for racial and ethnic populations in the state. State plan to reduce disparities In 2007 the Kansas Center for Health Disparities Strategic Plan was created to develop, improve, and implement effective methods to increase access to culturally and linguistic competent health care for all racial/ethnic populations statewide. Click here to view the plan.
Kentucky Office of the Governor Office of Minority Affairs Kentucky State Capitol Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: (502) 564-2611 Fax: (502) 564 2517 Director: Leonard Gray	Ky. Rev. Stat. § 216.2929 requires the Cabinet for Health Services to prepare biennial reports on the special health needs of the minority population. The report will contain an overview of the health status and morbidity rates on minority Kentuckians and will make recommendations to meet the identified health needs of the minority population. Ky. Rev. Stat. § 200.700 establishes the Early Childhood Development Authority in the Office of the Governor which, among other things, is created to oversee activities to reduce the disparity in maternal and child health status among selected populations. On January 5, 2000, Chief Justice Lambert and Executive Director Cicely Lambert created the Office of Minority Affairs. This office is responsible for developing diversity outreach programs. The Minority Affairs Office is now available to help anyone who has questions about the court system, especially questions involving minority and diversity issues, however there is not a specific focus on Minority Health.
Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals Bureau of Minority Health Access 628 N. 4th Street P.O. Box 629 (Zip 70821-0629) Baton Rouge, LA  70802 Phone: (225) 342-9500 Fax: (225) 342-5568 Director: Durrand Rudy Macklin	In 1999, the Bureau of Minority Health Access (BMHA) was established by the Department of Health and Hospitals and the Minority Health Affairs Commission to serve as an infrastructure for addressing public health issues related to minority populations. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 40:1299.181 (1999) redesignated the existing Minority Health Affairs Council to the Minority Health Affairs Commission. The law creates the commission, outlines the appointment of members and officers, establishes the powers and duties and terminates it on October 1, 2004. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 40:1299.184 (1999) creates the Disparity Commission within the Department of Health and Hospitals. The commission will, among other things, collect data related to the disparity in death rates in Louisiana, to identify gaps in health care and to make recommendations to improve services and raise awareness of factors which contribute to the disparity in death rates among races, sexes and ages. The law outlines membership in the commission and dictates the powers, duties and responsibilities of the commission. The commission must report to the legislature prior to the convening of the 2001 Regular Session. State plan to reduce disparities In 2003 the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals presented the Minority Health Report to the Louisiana Legislature. Click here to view the report.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health Key Plaza, 8th floor 11 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0011 Phone: (207) 287-4844 Fax: (207) 287-9058 TTY: 1-800-606-0215 Director: Lisa Sockabasin	In 2006, the Maine Office of Minority Health was established within the Administration of Maine's Center for Disease Control and Prevention. It is currently funded through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. State plan to reduce disparities Maine's Office of Minority Health has created a model for a state plan and hopes to release a finalized plan by summer 2009.
Maryland  State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene  Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Health Disparities Initiative 201 W. Preston Street, Rm. 500 Baltimore, Maryland 21201 Phone: (410) 767-7117 Fax: (410) 333-5100 Office E-mail Director: Carlessia A. Hussein, R.N. DR. P.H. Deputy Director: Ms. Arlee W. Gist,	Md. Chapter No. 443 (SB 177) establishes the Maryland Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities in the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; requires the Director of the Office to report to the Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene; establishes the duties and responsibilities of the Office; requires the Director to promote health and prevention of disease among members of specified groups.   Md. Chapter No. 14 (HB 452) alters the membership of the Procurement Advisory Council by the Special Secretary for the Office of the Minority Affairs. Md. Chapter No. 74 (SB903) designates the Special Secretary for the Office of Minority Affairs as head of the Office; provides for the appointment, powers, and duties of the Special Secretary; requires a request for proposals, an invitation for bids, and a responsive bid to include information about minority business enterprise participation; etc. State plan to reduce disparities Maryland Chapter No. 443 which established the state Office of Minority Health mandates a plan to eliminate health disparities in the state. The Maryland Plan to eliminate Minority Health Disparities created in 2006 covers professional education, health disparities data, resources for reducing disparities, and access to quality care. The plan is called a work in progress and is to be used as a framework. Click here to view the plan for 2006-2010.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Health Equity 250 Washington Street, 5th Floor Boston, MA 02108 Phone: (617) 624-5990 Fax: (617) 624-6062 Director: Georgia Simpson May	Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 6A, § 16O  establishes a health disparities council, located within, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The council shall make recommendations regarding reduction and elimination of racial and ethnic disparities in health care and health outcomes within the commonwealth. The council shall address diversity in the health care workforce and shall make recommendations on methods to increase the health care workforce. The council may also make recommendations on other matters impacting upon and relevant to health disparities. State plan to reduce disparities The Massachusetts Office of Health Equity Director hopes to release their plan in Spring 2009.
Michigan Department of Community Health Health Disparities Reduction and Minority Health Program Capitol View Building 201 Townsend Street Lansing, Michigan 48913 Phone: (313) 456-4421 Fax: (313) 456-4428 Director: Janet Olszewski	Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 330.1162 et seq. (1990) creates the Office of Multicultural Services within the Department of Mental Health to assess the mental health needs of multicultural populations in the state, recommend culturally sensitive and relevant treatments and programs, provide consultation and reference materials on multicultural services, promote awareness of multicultural mental health concerns, provide opportunities for multicultural populations to express their views on policies and programs, and request funds from the department. In 1988 the Michigan Office of Minority Health was established by Executive Order as a result of a 1987 minority health task force that produced a report on minority health and made recommendations to create an office of minority health. State plan to reduce disparities In 2006 the Health Disparities Reduction and Minority Health Program created a Strategic Framework for Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Reduction. The framework includes goals and objectives for reducing disparities. Click here to view the document. Public Act 653 mandated the Michigan Department of Community Health to develop a Health Disparities Report to the Legislature. Click here to view the 2007 report.
Minnesota Department of Health Office of Minority and Multicultural Health Freeman Building, 5C 625 Robert St. N PO Box 64975 St. Paul, MN 55164-0975 Phone: (651) 201-5813 Office E-mail Director: Mitchell Davis	Minn. Chapter Law 358 (2007 S.F. 3780) addresses the Statewide Health Improvement Program. By January 15, 2011, the commissioner of health can determine whether specific funding should be distributed to community health boards and tribal governments to address health disparities. Require that the commissioner establishes standards for health care homes that provide care that is appropriate to the patient's race, ethnicity and language. It also outlines the health care home reporting requirements including the number of enrollees with complex or chronic conditions, listed by income, race, ethnicity and language and the estimated impact on health disparities. The bill allows for the commissioner of human services to establish performance measures, relevant to racial or cultural groups, that may be underrepresented by traditional long-term enrollment measures.  In 1993, the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health, created an Office of Minority Health (OMH). The office is part of the organizational structure of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Community and Family Health Promotion Bureau. In 2001 the name changed to the Office of Minority and Multicultural Health to reflect the growing racial and ethnic groups and the vast cultural factors in Minnesota. State plan to reduce disparities Minn. § 48 [145.928] (2001) created the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative which provided funding and goals  for the state to eliminate disparities by 2010. In 2008, a report for the Minnesota Department of Health and the Office of Minority and Multicultural Health was prepared to show the status of goals. Click here to view the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative Report I. In 2007, an update was provided the Minnesota State Legislature. Click here to view the Legislative Report.
Mississippi Department of Health Office of Health Disparity Elimination 570 East Woodrow Wilson Ave. Box 1700 Jackson, MS  39215-1700 Phone: 601-576-8102 Director: Lovetta Brown, M.D. M.P.H.	The governor established the Minority Health Care Task Force in 1992 as a result of the findings presented in the 1990 "Report on Minority Health in Mississippi," by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). The Task Force was organized to assess the health status of the racial and ethnic minority populations in the state of Mississippi. The Task Force studied the committees’ recommendations and set forth a number of recommendations that, if implemented, would greatly reduce the health disparities among racial and ethnic populations. In December 1998, the state health officer authorized the formation of a steering committee to develop a structure for an Office of Minority Health within the MSDH and to implement the Task Force recommendations. As a result, activities under minority health were initiated in March 2000, but no funding was appropriated. Subsequently, in September of 2003, the State Health Officer established the Mississippi Office of Health Disparity Elimination (MS-OHDE). In November 2008, the Mississippi Legislature established the Select Committee on Health Disparities designed to evaluate the state's issues and resources on health disparities. Ultimately, the committee is working to establish strategies to ensure comprehensive health coverage and a better health prognosis for all Mississippi residents. State plan to reduce disparities The Director of the Office of Health Disparity Elmination hopes to release a work in progress plan by early 2010.
Missouri  Department of Health and Senior Services Office of Minority Health PO Box 570 Jefferson City, MO  65102 Phone: 573-751-6064 Fax: 573-522-1599 Cheif: Cheryl Avant	Mo. Rev. Stat. § 192.083 (1999) establishes an Office of Minority Health within the Department of Health. The office, among other things, will monitor the progress of all programs in the department for their impact on eliminating the health status disparity between minorities and the general population. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 208.533 (1999) establishes a twenty-member "Commission on the Special Health, Psychological and Social Needs of Minority Older Individuals" under the division of aging. The law outlines membership and responsibilities of the commission and requires the commission to submit an annual report for the governor, the general assembly and other appropriate state agencies. State plan to reduce disparities In May 2008, The Missouri Office of Minority Health released the State of Missouri Health Disparities Report titled Promoting Health Equity and Reducing Health Disparities in Missouri. The report looks at key health indicators in disparities and is intended to help comunities in planning and implementing sound approaches to reduce health inequaities among ethnic/racial and other vulnerable populations in the state. Click here to view the report.
Montana Public Health and Safety Division Public Health & Safety Division Cogswell Building, Room B102 1400 Broadway Helena, MT   59620 Phone: 406-444-4141 Fax: 406-444-6943 Point of Contact - Administrator: Jane Smilie	Montana currently has a Minority Health contact person within the Montana Public Health and Safety Division.
Nebraska Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health and Health Equity  PO Box 95026 Lincoln, NE 68509-5026 (402) 471-0152      Office E-mail Administrator: Raponzil "Ra" Drake, DMin	Neb. ALS 321 (2007 Neb. LB 321) This is the state appropriation bill. It includes a line item funding satellite minority health offices, for minority public health services in counties with minority population exceeding five percent and funding distributed equally to congressional districts with minority population exceeding 75,000 for minority health initiatives. There is also funding for medical research with a portion set aside for research on improving racial and ethnic minority health. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-1628.07 requires the establishment of a satellite Office of Minority Health in each congressional district to coordinate and administer state policy relating to minority health. Each office will implement a minority health initiative in counties with a minority population of at least 5% of the total population of the county as determined by the census. The focus of the initiative will include infant mortality, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and asthma. Each office shall prepare an annual report regarding the implementation of the minority health initiative in the prior fiscal year. The report shall be submitted to the department by October 1. The department shall submit the report to the Health and Human Services Committee of the Legislature by December. State plan to reduce disparities In 2006, the Nebraska Office of Minority Health created a Strategic Plan and titled it Equlaizing Health Outcome and Eliminating Health Disparities. The plan developed goals for the office and focused on improving the status of minority populations within the state. Click here to view the plan.
Nevada  State Health Division Office of Minority Health 3811 West Charleston, #205  Las Vegas, Nevada  89102 Phone: (702) 486-7280  Fax:  (702) 486-7281 Program Manager: Dr. June Coleman	Nev. Rev. Stat § 232.467-484 (2005 AB580) Creates the Office of Minority Health in order to improve the quality of health care services for members of minority groups, increase access to health care services for members of minority groups and to disseminate information to and educate the public on matters concerning health care issues of interest to members of minority groups.
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services   Office of Minority Health 97 Pleasant Street Concord, NH  03101 Phone: (603) 271-3986      Director: William V. Walker	In October 1999, The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) created the Office of Minority Health as a reflection of their commitment to provide access to quality and competent health services to all residents. The Office is intended to provide a sustained focus on the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services; maintain communication with racial, ethnic and other medically underserved populations to create partnerships to enhance the overall health of the communities by developing combined opportunities and resources to address health disparities; collaborate with federal and other state minority health offices and New Hampshire health and community agencies regarding various regional, national and state health disparity initiatives.
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Office of Minority & Multicultural Health John Fitch Plaza PO Box 360 Trenton, NJ 08625-0360 Phone: (609) 292-6962 Fax: (609) 292-8713 Executive Director: Linda J. Holmes	N.J Rev. Stat § 26:2-167 (AB 655) Establishes "Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative" in the Office of Minority and Multicultural Health to develop a comprehensive, coordinated plan to reduce health disparities between white and racial and ethnic minority populations in the state in the treatment of certain conditions or diseases. N.J. Rev. Stat. § 26:2-161 to 26:2-165 (1991) establishes the New Jersey Office on Minority Health in the Department of Health and the Minority Health Advisory Commission. The office, among other things, will provide grants to communities to conduct research and evaluate projects; develop and implement model public and private partnerships in minority communities for health awareness campaigns; serve as an information and resource center; review, recommend and develop culturally appropriate health education materials; and develop a statewide plan for increasing the number of minority health care professionals in the state. The law also establishes membership guidelines and responsibilities of the advisory commission.
New Mexico Department of Health Office of Policy and Multicultural Health 1190 S. St. Francis Dr., South 4260 Santa Fe, NM 87502 Phone:(505) 827-2280   FAX:(505) 827-2942 Director: Sam Howarth	In July 2005, the New Mexico Department of Health created the Office of Policy and Multicultural Health in order to create innovative approaches to improve the overall health of New Mexicans and to address multicultural disparities.
New York  State Department of Health Office of Minority Health ESP-Corning Tower Building, Room 780 Albany, NY 12237 Phone: (518) 474-2180 Fax: (518) 474-4695 Office E-mail Director: Wilma E. Waithe, RD, CDN, PhD	N.Y. Public Health Law § 241 to 243 (1992) creates an office of minority health within the department of health. The law outlines the duties and responsibilities of the office. The law creates a minority health council and outlines appointment of members and the powers and duties of the council.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health 1906 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1906 Courier #56-20-11 Phone: (919) 431-1617 Fax: (919) 850-2758 Office E-Mail Director: Barbara Pullen-Smith	N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A-33.43 and 130A-33.44 establishes the Minority Health Advisory Council in the department of health. The law outlines the duties and responsibilities of the council and the rules for member selection and council business.
North Dakota Department of Health Healthy North Dakota Health Disparities 600 East Boulevard Ave - Dept 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200 Phone: (701) 328-2372 Fax: (701) 328-4727 Director: Phyllis Howard	During the 2007 legislative session, the North Dakota Department of Health was authorized to establish an Office for the Elimination of Health Disparities, as of the beginning of the next biennium, July 1, 2007. They are in the process of applying for funding through the State Partnership Grant Program to Improve Minority Health, which was recently announced by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.
Ohio Commission on Minority Health 77 S. High St., 7th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215 Phone: (614) 466-4000 Fax: (614) 752-9049 Executive Director: Cheryl A. Boyce, M.S.	Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3701.78 (1987) creates the commission on minority health to promote health and the prevention of disease among members of minority groups. The law outlines membership and responsibilities of the commission.
Oklahoma  State Department of Health Office of Minority Health 1000 N.E. 10th Street, Suite 211 Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1299 Phone: (405) 271-1337 Fax: (405) 271-9228 Director: Demetrio Gutierrez	Okla. Sat § 63-1-560.1 (SB 680)  Relates to the task force to eliminate health disparities; modifies goals of task force; increases membership of task force modifying report requirements. 1993 Okla. Sess. Laws, Chap. 269 (HB 1830) requires the department of health to conduct a statewide study of all services and programs for minority health, rural health, social initiatives, and eldercare, and to make recommendations that would eliminate any overlap and duplication of services. The study must include an evaluation of existing program deficiencies and recommendations for changes to improve services and programs for minority health, rural health, social initiatives, and eldercare.
Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Multicultural Health 800 NE Oregon St. Suite 290-A Portland, OR 97232 Phone: (971) 673-1283 Fax: (971) 673-1128 Interim Administrator: Deon Johnson	Executive Order 99-07 creates the Racial and Ethnic Health Task Force to review, analyze, and recommend changes as needed in State of Oregon Agencies, including but not limited to the Department of Human Resources and other state programs with the goal of improving the individual and community health status for people of color and ethnic populations.
Pennsylvania  Department of Health Office of Health Equity Health and Welfare Building 7th & Forster Streets Harrisburg, PA 17120 Phone: (717) 772-5298 Director: Lori Ann Jenkins	Executive Order 2007-04 creates, within the State Department of Health, a state office of Health Equity and the Office of Health Equity Advisory Committee. The executive order outlines the responsibilities as they are to help eliminate health disparities within the state.
Rhode Island  Department of Health Office of Minority Health 3 Capitol Hill, Room 409 Providence, RI  02908 Phone:  (401) 222-2901 Fax: (401) 222-4415 Chief: Carrie Bridges, MPH	R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-1-43 instructs the director of health to establish a minority population health promotion program to provide health information, education, and risk reduction activities to reduce the risk of premature death from preventable disease in minority populations. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-64-1 et seq. creates the Minority Populations Health Promotion Act, which establishes the minority population health promotion program, to be funded by a tax on tobacco.
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Office of Minority Health 2600 Bull Street Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: (803) 898-3808 Fax: (803) 898-3810 Director: Gardenia Ruff	S. C. Code Ann. § 1-31-10 creates the state commission for minority affairs to study the causes and effects of the socioeconomic deprivation of minorities in South Carolina and to implement programs necessary to address inequities confronting minorities.
South Dakota  Department of Health Minority Health Coordinator 600 E. Dakota Pierre, SD 57501 Phone: (605) 773-5303 Fax: (605) 773-5683 Contact: J.C. Clarke	South Dakota currently has a Minority Health Coordinator within the state Department of Health.
Tennessee Department of Health Division of Minority Health and Disparity Elimination Health Services 425 5th Avenue North 3rd Floor, Cordell Hull Building Nashville, TN  37243 Phone: (615) 741-9443 Fax:  (615) 253-8830 Deputy Director: Darlene Jenkins, DrPH, RD, CHES	In 1994, the Office of Minority Health was established within the Tennessee Department of Health, and serves as a central point for the Department on minority health issues. Recently the Office of Disparity Elimination and the Office of Minority Health have been combined. Each office still has thier own director. Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-1-2201 to 2204 (2004) Creates the Minority Health Act of 2004 in order to educate the public concerning health issues regarding the minority populations in the state and to advocate initiatives to enhance the quality of life and address any disparity of health services available for minorities in the state; creates an advisory council on minority health. (HB 3500) Tenn. Code Ann. § 3-15-401 to 3-15-404 (1990) creates, within the legislative department, the black health care commission. The law establishes the membership, powers, duties and tasks of the commission.
Texas  Department of State Health Services Office for the Elimination of Health Disparities 1100 West 49th Street Austin, Texas 78756 Phone: (512) 458-7629 Fax: (512) 458-7488 Director: Kimberly McCoy-Daniels	Tex. Health and Safety Code Ann. § 12.081 to 12.084 (1993) requires the department of health to establish and maintain an office of minority health to assume a leadership role in working in developing minority health initiatives, including bilingual communications. The law establishes the powers of the office, funding and requires a report to the legislature. Tex. Education Code Ann. § 63.301 and 63.302 (1999) creates a permanent fund for minority health research and education in the treasury outside the general revenue fund. The law also outlines the administration and use of the fund. Tex. Health and Safety Code Ann. § 107A.001 to 107.008 (2007 HB 1396) requires the Health and Human Services Commission to maintain an office for the elimination of health disparities to assume a leadership role in working or contracting with state and federal agencies, universities, private interest groups, communities, foundations, and offices of minority health to develop health initiatives to decrease or eliminate health and health access disparities among racial, multicultural, disadvantaged, ethnic, and regional populations, including appropriate language services
Utah Department of Health Center for Multicultural Health PO Box 142001 Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2001 Phone: (801) 538-9457 Fax: (801) 538-6591 Office E-mail Program Coordinator: Owen Quiñonez, MD	Utah. Code Ann § 26-7-2 (2004) creates, within the Utah Department of Health, the Center for Multicultural Health to reduce health disparities amongst multicultural populations and address minority health issues. The law outlines the duties of the center.
Vermont Department of Health Office of Minority Health 108 Cherry St; P.O. Box 70 Burlington, VT 05402 Phone: (802) 652-2096 Office E-mail Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Minority Health: Judy Ashley-McLaughlin	In 1992, the Vermont Department of Health created the Office of Minority Health in response to community requests to address persistent gaps in health status and access to care among minorities in Vermont. The Vermont Department of Health Office of Minority Health was established in order to improve the health status of underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minorities.
Virginia  Department of Health Office of Minority Health Division of Health Equity P.O. Box 2448 Richmond, VA 23219 Phone: (804) 864-7435 Toll Free: 800-694-7349 Director: Michael Royster, M.D., MPH	1999 Va. Acts, House Jt. Res. 647 establishes a task force to review and examine the health status of African-Americans. The resolution requires the state health commissioner to submit the finding and recommendations of the task force to the board of health, the joint commission on health care, the governor and the general assembly. 1997 Va. Acts, Sen. Jt. Res. 355 directs the joint commission on health care in cooperation with the office on minority health in the department of health to study the health status and conditions of African-American citizens in the commonwealth. The Virgina Office of Minority Health has added a division of health equity to permanetly change conditions of health disparities.
Washington State Board of Health Governor's Interagency Council on Health Disparities   101 Israel Road S.E. PO Box 47990 Olympia WA 98504-7990 Phone: (360) 236-4110 Fax: (360) 236-4088 Office E-mail Point of Contact: Christy Curwick Hoff, MPH	Chapter No. 239 (2007 SB 6197) creates the Governor's Interagency Council on Health Disparities to create an action plan and statewide policy to include health impact reviews that measure and address other social determinants of health that lead to disparities as well as the contributing factors of health care that can have broad impacts on improving status, health literacy, physical activity and nutrition.
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Office of Epidemiology and Health Promotion Minority Health Program 350 Capitol Street, Room 206 Charleston, WV  25301 Phone: (304) 558-0644 Fax: (304) 558-1553 Director: Charlene Hickman	In 1998, the Office of Community and Rural Health Services established the West Virginia Minority Health Program. In October 2005, the Minority Health Program was relocated from the Office of Community Health Systems (formerly Office of Community and Rural Health Services) to the Office of Epidemiology and Health Promotion within the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. In November 2005, the Office of Epidemiology and Health Promotion hired a program manager to run the Minority Health Program. In March 2006, at the recommendation of the Minority Health Advisory Council, the Minority Health Program was designated as the Office of Minority Health by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Resources.
Wisconsin Division of Public Health Minority Health Program P.O. Box 2659 Madison, WI 53701-2659  Phone (608) 267-2173 FAX (608) 264-7720 Minority Health Officer: Michelle DeBose, Ph.D., R.N.	Wis. stat § 146.185 list responsibilites the department shall do in relation to Minority health.
Wyoming Department of Health Community and Rural Health Division Office of Multicultural Health 6101 Yellowstone Road, Suite 420, Room #33 Cheyenne, WY 82002 Phone: (307) 777-6004 Fax: (307) 777-3617 Chief: Betty Sones	In 1996, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) Director appointed a Minority Health Coordinator (MHC). In 1998, There was a Minority Health Advisory Committee (MHAC) established, and consisted of members from Wyoming’s minority communities along with state program directors and employees.  In 1999, the Minority Health Coordinator’s position was funded by Wyoming Department of Health and identified as a program within the Community and Family Health Division (CFHD). In June 2006, the Wyoming Department of Health elevated the Wyoming Minority Health Program (WMHP), through directive process, to the Wyoming Office of Multicultural Health (WOMH).

 

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Funded by: Office of Minority Health