April 2023: Minority Health Month

WHEREAS, to improve the public health of Michigan we must address systemic racism, discrimination, and the social, economic, and environmental determinants that drive persistent racial and ethnic health disparities and inequities; and,

WHEREAS, racial and ethnic health disparities and premature death create a costly health burden for the State of Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, without a focused effort to eliminate health disparities and inequities, the burden of poor health on marginalized populations will multiply and the associated costs will be staggering; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan supports the HHS Office of Minority Health focus on disseminating culturally and linguistically appropriate educational information, addressing health literacy needs, and partnering with trusted community organizations to achieve better health outcomes for racial and ethnic populations; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan recognizes racism as a public health crisis, and all state departments have been directed to address the resulting inequities through data and analysis, policy and planning, engagement, communication, advocacy, and training; and,

WHEREAS, implementation of policies, practices, surveillance, and research should include a focus on achieving health equity that addresses the social, economic, and environmental determinants that drive persistent racial and ethnic health disparities and inequities; and,

WHEREAS, the use of equity impact assessments help assess, create, and promote equitable decision-making, processes, and policies to reduce and eradicate social disparities and inequities; and,

WHEREAS, support for regional health equity councils and other community-driven, priority setting and capacity-building efforts to impact determinants of health is needed; and,

WHEREAS, the establishment of Minority Health Month in April would encourage organizations in Michigan to assess the impact of their policies and procedures and utilize evidence-based and promising practices to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes of racial and ethnic populations; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan continues to demonstrate its commitment toward improving public health through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the MDHHS Office of Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, the MDHHS Office of Equity and Minority Health, and additional state departments, as well as external partnerships;

WHEREAS, this proclamation is a renewed commitment and affirmation of our continual pursuit of achieving health equity and elimination of barriers for the most favorable health outcomes for Michiganders.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2023 Minority Health Month in Michigan.