Legislative acknowledgement of racial disparities in the health of Floridians has been around for at least 20 years.
In 1993, the Florida Legislature passed Florida’s Minority Health Improvement Act, which authorized the Minority Health Commission for a two-year period. Then in 1998, the Florida Department of Health established the Office of Equal Opportunity and Minority Health.
Six years later, the Legislature established the Office of Minority Health as a standalone entity within the Department of Health.
Legislative intent
Lawmakers intended “to provide funds within Florida counties and Front Porch Florida Communities, in the form of ‘Reducing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: Closing the Gap’ grants, to stimulate the development of community-based and neighborhood-based projects which will improve the health outcomes of racial and ethnic populations,” according to a section of Florida law which outlines the work of the Office of Minority Health.
“Further, it is the intent of the Legislature that these programs foster the development of coordinated, collaborative, and broad-based participation by public and private entities, and faith-based organizations.
“Finally, it is the intent of the Legislature that the grant program function as a partnership between state and local governments, faith-based organizations, and private sector health care providers, including managed care, voluntary health care resources, social service providers, and nontraditional partners,” according to the statute.
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Has it worked?
It’s a noble effort. But has it been effective? Has the gap been closed in the disparities that exist in minority health? Have the incidence of diseases decreased in the nearly ten years this office has existed?
What’s its purpose? How is it structured? What programs are in place? Is it meeting its goals and objectives? How is it funded?
