Did you know that your zip code can be a predictor of your health? So can your place of birth, where you work and play, your income and education, and a host of other factors – in addition to the choices you make each day about what to eat, when to work out and whether or not to see a doctor. These factors, recognized by public health professionals as “social determinants of health,” are linked to inequities in health and health care (health disparities) among racial and ethnic minorities in America.

During National Minority Health Month each April, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) leads the nation in raising awareness about health disparities, their causes and the impact they have on minority communities and on the nation as whole. The theme of this year’s National Minority Health Month observance – Accelerating Health Equity for the Nation – reflects both a sense of urgency and a sense of determination in moving the country forward toward achieving health equity. This year, as OMH celebrates its 30th anniversary, a renewed effort is underway with public and private sector partners and stakeholders to accelerate health equity for the nation through the development of research, policies, programs and legislation. This is a national movement that needs your support. Every community deserves good health. Everyone can join OMH and its federal, state, tribal and local community partners during April and throughout 2016, in accelerating health equity for the nation. For more information on National Minority Health Month and how you can get involved, visit www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/NMHM16.