For Release – April 26, 2019 – Jamie Dukes, Office of Communications – (405) 271-5601
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), in collaboration with Governor Kevin Stitt, has joined efforts to acknowledge health disparities affecting minorities during National Minority Health Month. Gov. Stitt issued a proclamation recognizing April 2019 as Minority Health Month in Oklahoma.
The proclamation recognizes the disparities existing among all minority groups, including the incidence, prevalence, mortality and burden of preventable health conditions and diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, infant mortality and immunizations.
Interim Commissioner of Health Tom Bates said efforts are being made to improve the overall health status of the state’s minority population.
“Our goal is to strengthen the capacities of local communities to eliminate the disproportionate burden of preventable illness in minority populations through prevention and early detection,” said Bates. “We appreciate Gov. Stitt for joining us in making this a priority for our state.”
The OSDH is concentrating efforts to promote public awareness and culturally appropriate health education, disease prevention, and health care services which are critical in improving the health of racial and ethnic minorities.
For more information, contact the OSDH Office of Minority Health and Health Equity at (405) 271-1337
The proclamation is presented by Secretary of State Michael Rogers to OSDH staff.
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Last Modified on
Jun 03, 2022
