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April 2016
Health Observances 


"Accelerating Health Equity for the Nation" is this year's theme for National Minority Health Awareness Month. During the month of April, the U.S. Health and Human Service Office of Minority Health asks for all individuals to promote awareness of the many health disparities that continue to face racial and ethnic minorities and, this year, to focus on how to work together to accelerate health equity. This observance started over 100 years ago as National Negro Health Week - Dr. Booker T. Washington envisioned and spearheaded a nationwide campaign to improve African American health. He involved health departments, schools, professional associations, and many other partners. In his words: "Without health and long life, all else fails." Although the initial campaign focused on improving the health of African Americans, it has since grown into one of the leading annual multicultural observances. Through Minority Health Month and many other collaborative efforts, The Office of Minority Health galvanizes partners from across the country in a shared commitment to health equity. For more information visit the links below.


Cancer Control Month  is an important window of opportunity to promote the fight against cancer by increasing public awareness about the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment.  One critical step in controlling cancer is to speak with your doctor about cancer screening.  Why? Because early detection means early action. The American Cancer Society encourages cancer screening, especially for high-risk populations. Age is the greatest risk factor for cancer. Studies show that 77% of cancers found occur in people 55 years of age or older.  Other major risk factors include an unhealthy diet, smoking, and consuming alcohol.  Policies that effectively promote cancer screening and prevention, as well as research and treatment, can together play a key role in the fight against cancer and its human and economic burden.  For more information visit the  American Cancer Society.
  




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HPRC, a CTIS, Inc. division, is supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under award number #1U54MD008608-01. This content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.