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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Center for Minority Health Services joins health organizations and advocates nationwide in observing National Minority Health Month and supporting this year’s theme: “Advancing Health Equity Now: Uniting Our Communities to Bring Health Care Coverage to All.” |
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| “Gaps in health outcomes between communities of color and white communities in Illinois and nationwide continue to exist in almost every major category. Non-whites have a lower life expectancy than whites in Illinois, according to census data. Also, the lack of access to health care as well as the incidence of certain diseases such as cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS and certain cancers, remains disproportionately high in some minority communities in Illinois. |
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| “Everyone in America deserves the chance to live a healthy life, regardless of who they are and where they live,” said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “Bridging health equity and providing access to culturally competent health care for all citizens in Illinois essential to our mission, and the work of the Center for Minority Health Services.” |
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| Hasbrouck also encouraged people of color to take control of their health by making healthier lifestyle choices such as eating healthier, exercising regularly and getting regular health screenings. To that end, IDPH is hosting the 2nd Annual Counties Health Centers 5K run/walk at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Washington Park in Springfield. IDPH’s Wellness on Wheels mobile health van will also be on site providing free health screenings that day. |
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| A calendar of free Minority Health Month events is available at
http://idph.riproad.com/eventList.php, or by texting event to 36363. Also, sign up for weekly health tips and recipes by texting alert to 36363. For more information about Minority Health Month or the 5K run/walk, please contact the Center for Minority Health services at 217-782-4977. |
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Illinois Department of Public Health
535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, Illinois 62761
Phone 217-782-4977
Fax 217-782-3987
TTY 800-547-0466
Questions or Comments
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