Colorados Efforts to Reduce Health Disparities Cerise Hunt, MSW Office of Health Disparities Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment January 25, 2007

CO Demographics: Census Estimates 2002

CO Demographics Minorities tip scales in Denver Denver Post September 18, 2003 Denver = 50.1% people of color Coloradans who speak a language other than English at home = 16%

Minority Health Advisory Commission CDPHE Executive Director Minority Health Advisory Commission Chief Medical Officer Office of Health Disparities

Minority Health Advisory Commission Provide a formal mechanism of community members to give input on health programming at the level of the CDPHE Executive Director Help CDPHE determine Culturally innovative data collection strategies Strengthen collaborations between CDPHE and communities of color

The Office of Health Disparities CDPHE Executive Director Minority Health Advisory Commission Chief Medical Officer Office of Health Disparities

Office of Health Disparities Mission The Office of Health Disparities is a state program of multi-cultural health professionals dedicated to eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities in Colorado, by fostering systems change and capacity building through multi-sectoral collaborations.

Office of Health Disparities Focus Areas Health disparities data

Office of Health Disparities Focus Areas Education on health disparities issues Community involvement for extending public health programs Technical assistance to CDPHE, local health departments, and community based organizations

Office of Health Disparities Focus Areas Workforce diversity within public health Language services for individuals with limited English proficiency Collaborative Leadership

Office of Health Disparities Focus Areas Interagency Health Disparities Leadership Council (IHDLC) Formed in January 2006, IHDLC is an independent advisory council composed of 51 participants representing federal and state agencies, universities, community providers and foundations. IHDLC is a resource available to Colorado's leaders as they seek to address health disparities as part of broader efforts to improve health care in Colorado.

Office of Health Disparities Focus Areas Interagency Health Disparities Leadership Council Vision: Eliminating Health Disparities in Colorado by Mission: To provide leadership, education and resources to comprehensively eliminate health disparities in Colorado through collaboration, consultation, research and inclusion.

Health Disparities Grant Program (HDGP) Colorado General Assembly recognized racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately impacted by disease, injury disability and death. Declared that is in the best interest of the State to establish a HDGP under House Bill The purpose is to provide financial support for statewide initiatives that address prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer and cardiovascular disease including diabetes and other precursors, and pulmonary diseases in underrepresented populations.

Health Disparities Grant Program (HDGP) HDGP is housed within the Office of Health Disparities Awarded over 7 million dollars Total of 33 grantees, throughout Colorado

Colorado Minority Health Forum Mission: The Colorado Minority Health Forum is an inclusive, membership organization that educates Colorado communities about the human cost of health disparities and advocates for the elimination of health disparities.

Colorado Mental Health Disparities Summit October 13, 2006 Approximately 125 participants attended the Summit including legislators; mental health centers and other providers; federal, state and local government; universities; foundations and community stakeholders.

Colorado Mental Health Disparities Summit The Summits purpose: 1. To share research and community perspectives on what communities of color are doing well, their needs and the enhancements needed to support sustainability for culturally- traditional,-specific and mainstream providers to better meet the diverse mental health needs of Colorados communities; and 2.To bring together diverse communities, policymakers, funding sources and providers to better understand and address mental health disparities through policy action in Colorado.

OHDs Website & Contact Information Cerise Hunt Team Lead/Health Disparities Specialist Ph: