National Minority Health Month

National Minority Health Month is a time to raise awareness about the numerous health disparities that people from racially and ethnically minoritized groups face in the American healthcare model and encourage action through continuing inclusive medical training for our current future health professionals.

The observance originated from Booker T. Washington's National Negro Health Week established in 1915. Washington studied a critical correlation between poverty and poor health in the Black Community. He advocated for improved living conditions, including better sanitation and healthcare access for America's Black citizens.

This year's theme is Better Health Through Better Understanding, which pertains to patients and their caregivers as well as health professionals as they navigate sharing resources to address health literacy, language access, and so much more.

More resources including tips to improve your health literacy and where to find plain language training can be found at nimhd.nih.gov or search #NMHM on your favorite social media.