Senate approves resolution promoting minority health awareness, equity

The Senate last night approved by unanimous consent an AHA-supported resolution promoting minority health awareness and supporting the goals and ideals of National Minority Health Month, which in April focused attention on health disparities and accelerating health equity. “Our member hospitals and health systems strive every day to eradicate these disparities through data collection and analysis, improving cultural competency and addressing the social determinants of health – steps that we believe are necessary to improve the health and health status of all communities,” said AHA Executive Vice President Tom Nickels in a letter of support to sponsor Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D-MD). “To that end, we join you in recognizing the significance of National Minority Health Month in raising awareness and rededicating efforts to achieve health equity in our nation, and we thank you for your leadership.” The resolution was co-sponsored by Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Brian Schatz (D-HI).