Minority Health

Minority Health Council

Charge

The NYS Department of Health's Minority Health Council was created by statute (PHL 243) in 1992. The purpose of this Council is to consider any matter relating to the preservation and improvement of minority health in the state and to advise the Commissioner on these issues.

Reports and recommendations are periodically submitted to the Commissioner based on their research and findings on issues pertaining to minority health.

Note:
Council meetings are subject to Executive Order No. 3; Public Officers Law, Article 7, §§100 – 111; which requires that meetings be held open to the public. The public can attend Council meetings in person or can view meetings via webcast.

Membership

Pursuant to enacting legislation, the Minority Health Council members are appointed by the governor with advice and consent of the senate. The Council is required to meet a minimum of two times per year.

Committees

Health Disparities Summits

This committee assists the Department in planning and implementing the NYS Health Disparities Summits, the first of which took place on January 13 and 14, 2009. This committee also works with the Department in the development of action steps toward a statewide Action Plan on Eliminating Health Disparities.

Workforce Development

This committee explores the importance of workforce diversity and its impact on health access, cultural competency and patient engagement. This committee also identifies current programs in NYS designed to promote health professional workforce diversity in health careers other than medicine.

Minority Health Biennial Report

This committee ensures Minority Health Council input into the ongoing preparation and release of Minority Health Surveillance Reports on the health status of minority populations in New York State.

Reports