February 2015

Celebrate Black History Month!

In this issue:

• Call for Nominations: Advisory Committee on Minority Health
• Black History Month Resources from CDC
• Join Us: Heart Health Twitter Chat on February 18
• Heart Health News: Barriers Keep Poor, Minorities from Calling 911, Study Says
• Preventing Birth Defects with Healthy Moms and Babies
• Know Your Glaucoma Risk and Protect Your Sight
• Next Up: March Health Observances
• What's New in the Knowledge Center

Call for Nominations: Advisory Committee on Minority Health

The Office of Minority Health is seeking candidates to be considered for appointment to vacancies on the Advisory Committee on Minority Health. The committee provides advice to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health on improving the health of racial and ethnic minority groups, and on development of goals and specific program activities of OMH. More information about the call for nominations.

Black History Month Resources from CDC

Learn about the Million Hearts initiative and the ABCs, and link to information and activities that address the health and well-being of African American populations in the United States. Read more.

Join Us: Heart Health Twitter Chat on February 18

Fact: Black men are 30 percent more likely than white men to die from heart disease. On February 18, in honor of Black History Month and American Heart Month, join the Office of Minority Health and Million Hearts® for a Twitter chat on improving heart health outcomes for African American men. Tweet with @minorityhealth using the hashtag #HeartMonthChat at 2 pm.

Heart Health News: Barriers Keep Poor, Minorities from Calling 911, Study Says

From the American Heart Association: Distrust of law enforcement, language barriers, lack of information about cardiac arrest and financial concerns are the major barriers keeping the poor, Latinos and other minorities from calling 911 for help, according to a new study. Read more on the AHA blog.

Preventing Birth Defects with Healthy Moms and Babies

Each year in the U.S., 1,500 babies are born with spina bifida, a birth defect caused by lack of folic acid in the mother’s diet. According to the CDC, Hispanic women are up to three times more likely to have a child with spina bifida, and are less likely to consume folic acid before pregnancy or even know about the link between the nutrient and healthy brain and spinal cord development. Read more on the Blog for Health Equity. 

Know Your Glaucoma Risk and Protect Your Sight

Nothing is more important to us than our family. We cherish time together, every birthday party, holiday gathering and special celebration. And we shouldn’t let glaucoma make us lose sight of these deeply treasured traditions. Learn more about glaucoma prevention on the Blog for Health Equity. 

Next Up: March Health Observances

Women's History Month
National Kidney Month
National Nutrition Month
Native American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

What's New in the Knowledge Center