The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) is to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority populations and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities through the development of policies and programs that help eliminate health disparities. OMH is committed to advancing its mission by working with public health and community-based organizations to provide resources and information that support quality, equitable, and respectful care and services. In honor of this continued commitment, OMH is adopting the following theme for calendar year 2025:
Advancing Commitments to Eliminate Health Disparities
This year’s theme is about highlighting, amplifying, and encouraging whole-community commitments to the success, sustainability, and spread of efforts that support healthier outcomes for racial and ethnic minority populations and AI/AN communities. Advancing Commitments to Eliminate Health Disparities focuses on efforts that produce:
- Health equity-promoting policies, programs, and practices
- Community-based workforce sustainability
- Culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) in health and health care
Throughout 2025, OMH will incorporate this theme in its messaging, resources, and events for these national observances focused on racial and ethnic minority populations and AI/AN communities:
- Black History Month (February)
- National Minority Health Month (April)
- Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May)
- National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15)
- Native American Heritage Month (November)
Visit the OMH website throughout 2025 to find new information and resources related to these observances. Subscribe to OMH’s weekly and monthly newsletters to receive updates on these observances and other opportunities to advance health equity and eliminate health disparities.
Get Started on Advancing Your Commitments
to Eliminate Health Disparities
Health disparities are preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, and opportunities to achieve optimal health experienced by certain populations because of social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantages. Racial and ethnic minority populations and AI/AN communities generally experience higher rates of poor health and disease compared to their white counterparts. Although many health disparities directly affect racial and ethnic minority populations and AI/AN communities, their negative impacts can be felt by everyone. When we commit to eliminating health disparities for these populations, we commit to improving the health and well-being of all Americans.
Here are four steps you can take to start advancing your commitments to eliminate health disparities: