February Newsletter

February Newsletter

In this issue:

• New National Minority Health Month Logo and Theme
• February is Black History Month
• February is American Heart Month
• Take the Pledge - #MoveWithHeart
• National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – February 7
• Organ Donation
• Take Action to Prevent the Flu!
• The OMHRC Knowledge Center

New National Minority Health Month Logo and Theme

The HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) Director Dr. Mathew Lin announced the theme of National Minority Health for April 2018: Partnering for Health Equity. Partnerships at the national, state, tribal and local levels are vital to the work of reducing health disparities and advancing health equity. Click here to learn more and to download the new logo.

February is Black History Month

February is recognized as Black History Month and has been celebrated since 1926. During this month, people around the country celebrate the achievements of African Americans, and honor the rich culture and their impact in the United States. This month is also a time to raise awareness about health disparities among African Americans, particularly in heart health and childhood obesity. OMH has developed animated graphics, shareable images and social media messages for organizations to use during Black History Month. Click here to learn more and download materials and resources.

February is American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African Americans ages 18 – 39 are 2 times as likely to die from heart disease that whites. OMH is partnering with the American Heart Association to conduct a African American Heart Health Twitter Chat. Join the conversation on February 14 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm as we discuss heart health disparities among African Americans and share resources for health professionals and communities.

Take the Pledge - #MoveWithHeart

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – February 7

February 7, 2018 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), a national HIV testing and treatment community mobilization initiative designed to encourage Blacks across the United States and Diaspora to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated. This effort is needed because African Americans in the United States are disproportionately affected by HIV more than any other racial/ethnic group. Learn more at HIV.gov

Organ Donation

February 14 is National Donor Day. Have you ever considered organ donation? Would you like to learn more about it? Meet 14-year-old Blake to learn how one person can save eight lives and improve 50 others.

Take Action to Prevent the Flu!

Flu activity has increased again according to the latest FluView report. All U.S. states except for Hawaii continue to report widespread flu activity: the number of states experiencing “high” flu activity increased from 32 states plus New York City and Puerto Rico to 39 states plus New York City and Puerto Rico. Learn all you need to know about fighting the flu this season from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The OMHRC Knowledge Center

The Office of Minority Health Resource Center Knowledge Center has developed an extensive collection of documents specifically related to minority populations and behavioral health. Click here to gain access to the Knowledge Center’s Online Catalog.