Health Observances

CMS OMH honors this observance by raising awareness about health disparities that disproportionately impact people from historically marginalized communities, and by sharing resources to help.

Minority and underserved communities often face greater health care challenges including limited access to care, higher rates of chronic conditions, and worse health outcomes, as well as stigma and discrimination in health care settings. For example, Black people are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease, 50 percent more likely to have a stroke, and 30 percent more likely to have asthma. Additionally, compared to non-Hispanic White persons, Hispanic individuals are 70 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes by a physician and 1.2 times more likely to be obese. At CMS, we are committed to identifying where these disparities exist and continuously working to improve health equity across CMS programs and policies.

CMS is advancing health equity by designing, implementing, and operationalizing policies and programs that support health for all people we serve by incorporating the perspective of lived experiences and integrating safety net providers and community-based organizations into our programs. Together, this work will eliminate avoidable differences in health outcomes experienced by people who are disadvantaged or underserved and provide the care and support that people need to thrive.

To help bring awareness to the health disparities impacting these diverse communities, our office has developed the resources listed below. Share these resources to spread awareness during National Minority Health Month and all year.

Resources

CMS Framework for Health Equity 2022-2032. (PDF)

CMS Framework for Advancing Health Care in Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities (PDF)

CMS Health Equity webpage

CMS Strategic Plan: Health Equity (PDF)

Mapping Medicare Disparities Tool

Health Equity Technical Assistance Program

HHS' National Health Month webpage