April is National Minority Health Month
Raising awareness to advance health equity in Reading and beyond
Each April, communities across the United States recognize National Health Minority Month, an observance that highlights the ongoing health disparities that affect racial and ethnic minority populations, including American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities.
Why this month matters
National Minority Health Month serves as a powerful reminder that health outcomes are not experienced equally. Many communities can continue to face systemic barriers to care, often shaped by factors beyond medical access alone.
This annual observance encourages collective action to reduce inequities and ensure all individuals have the opportunity to achieve their highest level of health.
Addressing the root cause: social determinants of health (SDOH)
Health is shaped not only by clinical care, but also by broader social, economic, and environmental factors. These are known as social determinants of health, and include:
Poverty
Limited access to healthcare
Educational opportunities
Discrimination and racism
Safe and affordable housing
Access to nutritious food
The conditions, and where people live, work, play, and worship, have a significant impact on both physical and mental health outcomes.
What can be done
Efforts to address health disparities require a whole-community approach. That includes:
Advocating for policies that promote equity in education, housing, and healthcare.
Supporting culturally competent healthcare services.
Listening to and amplifying the voices of communities most impacted by these disparities.
By understanding the challenges faced by minority and AI/AN populations and working to improve their social conditions, we take important steps towards closing the health equity gap - in Reading and across the country.
Flyer by the Town of Reading.
