The Community Programs to Improve Minority Health Grant Program is administered by the Office of Minority Health (OMH), located within the Office of Public Health and Science of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The OMH was created in December 1985 with a mission to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority populations through the development of policies and programs that address disparities and gaps. Consistent with its mission, the role of OMH is to serve as the focal point within HHS for leadership, policy development and coordination, service demonstrations, information exchange, coalition and partnership building, and related efforts to address the health needs of racial and ethnic minorities.

The purpose of the Community Programs to Improve Minority Health Grant Program is to improve the health status of targeted minority populations through health promotion and disease risk reduction intervention programs. The OMH intends to demonstrate the effectiveness of community-based programs in developing, implementing, and conducting demonstration projects that integrate community-based educational screening and outreach services, include linkages and/or referrals for access and treatment to minorities in high risk, low-income communities, and address sociocultural, linguistic, and other barriers to health care. Expected project outcomes include reduction in high risk behaviors, adoption of health promoting behaviors, connecting targeted individuals to a continuum of care, improved access to health care, and increased utilization of health services by targeted minority populations. At the inception of the Program in 1986 as the Minority Community Health Coalition Demonstration Grant Program, OMH provided support to organizations for the development of new community coalitions. In fiscal year 2004, OMH continues to encourage and support existing coalitions to carry out community-based efforts.

This fact sheet describes the 24 projects funded in fiscal year 2004, for the period September 30, 2004 through September 29, 2007. These projects, located in 17 states, each offer activities unique to the needs of its racial and ethnic minority communities. The projects address at least one of eight targeted health areas: Adult Immunization, Asthma, Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke, HIV, Infant Mortality, and Obesity and Overweight. Examples of the various activities implemented to address the purpose of the Community Programs to Improve Minority Health Grant Program include: outreach, health screening, referrals to appropriate health services, peer counseling, health information classes and education workshops, wellness programs, development and dissemination of informational materials, public service announcements, navigation services and case management services.

For additional information, please contact the Division of Program Operations, Office of Minority Health.

For a list of the grantees, please click here.

January 2006