The Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (OMHHD) was established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1992, via public law HB1340, Part 24, Section 165.
Vision
All North Carolinians will enjoy good health regardless of race/ethnicity, disability or socioeconomic status.
Mission
To promote and advocate for the elimination of health disparities among all racial and ethnic minorities and other underserved populations in North Carolina.
Major Focus Areas
Research and Data
Improving the quality and availability of health information, data collection and analysis.
Culture and Language
Providing cultural diversity and interpreter training to health and human services professionals and advocating for language services.
Policy and Legislation
Supporting policies and legislation that improve the health and well-being of all North Carolinians.
Partnership Development
Collaborating with others to improve minority health programs and services.
Advocacy
Disseminating information to increase awareness of minority health and health disparities.
Key Terms and Definitions
Drivers and Determinants of health are factors that can greatly influence the health and quality of life of individuals, populations, and communities (including social, economic, environmental, ecological, and cultural factors).
Food deserts are areas with low access to supermarkets and/or large grocery stores.
Food Disinvestment is the intentional denial of access to healthy food options.
Food swamps are areas with little to no access to healthy food options.
Health disparities are the measurable differences or gaps seen in one group’s health status in relation to another or other group(s).
Health equity is the opportunity for everyone to have good health.
Health equity in all policies is a collaborative approach to improving the health of all people by incorporating health considerations into decision-making across sectors and policy areas.
Health in all policies is an approach to improving health by incorporating health considerations into decision-making across sectors and policy areas.
Health inequities are the unfair differences that prevent everyone from the opportunity to have good health.
Oral Health Equity is the opportunity for everyone to experience optimal dental health, including care, services and resources.
Person of color is someone who is not white or of European parentage.
Minority Health Advisory Council (MHAC)
The Minority Health Advisory Council (MHAC) was established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1992, via public law HB1340, Part 24, Section 166 (d 130A-33.34-44).
Mission
To advance the elimination of health and health care disparities among racial/ethnic minorities and underserved populations through health equity advocacy.
Mandate
The Council has the following duties and responsibilities to serve racial/ethnic minority communities:
- Advise and make recommendations to the Governor and Secretary of Health and Human Services
- Identify limitations associated with existing laws, regulations, programs, and services
- Examine the financing and access to health services
- Identify and review health promotion and disease prevention strategies
- Support policies and legislation to improve accessibility and delivery of health services