Center for Minority Health

National Minority Health Month 2008

Save the Date!!!
April 12, 2008
11:00 am-6:00pm
Kingsley Association (East Liberty)

National Minority Health Month
Honoring the Negro Health Movement

Historically, African-American leaders recognized the link between health and social/economic well-being. In 1914, Booker T. Washington started Negro Health
Improvement Week, which became the National Negro Health Movement. The first National Negro Health Week was recognized in April 1915. Health clinics and hospitals were involved and the health movement reached large audiences through faith-based, school, and community activities. The movement included health sermons, health talks, meetings, speakers, music, community clean–up’s, health screenings, family activities, surveys and data collection, conferences, newspaper articles, and radio and TV broadcasts. This movement ended in 1951, but in April 2001, the National Minority Health Month Foundation and the federal Office of Minority Health launched National Minority Health Month (NMHM). NMHM is a response to Healthy People 2010 - the nation’s health plan to improve the health status of all Americans. In 2002, National Minority Health and Health Disparities Month became official.

This bit of history reminds us that our health challenges have existed for a long time and they need our constant attention so that future generations will not have these same problems. Here, in the City of Pittsburgh, the CMH has honored Dr. Washington and the Negro Health Movement by sponsoring National Minority Health Month activities for the past 5 years.

Our six Health Disparity Working Groups, made up of community, health and human services, and university partners, plan exciting and fun activities each year for the entire family. We encourage everyone to join us for our 6th annual celebration on April 12th. Help us honor the legacy of Booker T. Washington by taking ‘small steps’ toward improving your health, thehealth of your entire family, and generations to come.

Take a look at the details for the day posted on our website and help us spread the word!!!



Stephen B. Thomas, PhD
Director, Center for Minority Health





Community Health Promotion Activities Sponsored By:

The Pittsburgh Foundation
The DSF Charitable Foundation
Highmark Foundation
Heinz Endowments
Poise Foundation
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
NIH National Center on Minority Health & Health Disparities Dr. Judith Davenport
Mr. Nicolas Beldecos

With additional support from:

American Heart Association
Center for Healthy Hearts and Souls
Community Care Behavioral Health Organization Giant Eagle Jewish Healthcare Foundation Merck Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing UPMC