Every April,  National Minority Health Month is observed to raise awareness of the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minority populations and reducing health disparities.

This year’s theme is Better Health Through Better Understanding, which focuses on improving health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority communities by providing them with culturally and linguistically competent healthcare services, information, and resources.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services says when patients are provided with culturally and linguistically appropriate information, they are empowered to create healthier outcomes for themselves and their communities.

Here’s some facts according to the U.S Department of Health & Human Services:

• It’s estimated that only 14 percent of the U.S. population has proficient health literacy.
• Nearly 20 percent of people in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home.
• It is estimated that over 60 percent of racial and ethnic minority patients over the age of 18 believe it is at least somewhat important to visit a health care provider who shares or understands their culture.
• In 2021, the Office of Minority Health  awarded $250 million to local governments to promote evidence-based health literacy strategies that are culturally appropriate.

You can learn more about the history of National Minority Month here.