National Minority Health Month

Every April, we celebrate National Minority Health Month. The recognition month was created to build awareness about the disproportionate burden of premature death and illness in people from racial and ethnic minority groups. In recent years, the minority community has been experiencing another health inequity from COVID-19, which has disproportionately affected communities of color. According to the CDC, data shows that some racial and ethnic minority groups – particularly Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and American Indian or Alaska native people are at increased risk of getting sick, having a more severe illness, and dying from COVID-19.

That’s why this year’s theme – Give Your Community a Boost – is focused on educating about the continued importance of vaccination, including boosters, as one of the strongest tools we can use to protect communities of color. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. You can get your vaccine and booster at Washington Regional Medical Center. Just call us at 252-793-4135.

National Minority Health Month originated in 1915 with the establishment of National Negro Health Week by Booker T. Washington. In 2002, National Minority Health Month received support from the U.S. Congress and the month was created to promote educational efforts on the health problems facing minorities.