A commentary on minority health as a paradigm shift in the United States.

Abstract

In a special issue that [bcuses on populations, many of the findings concern racial and ethnic minority populations. Although most members of racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States are employed, seeking appropriate health care, and continually ilnproving their quality of life, a disproportionate share of health problems and risks is borne by minorities. Our society intends to reach all communities equitably, but minority populations are not being served by policies and programs, nor are their needs being addressed by research. As recognition of the underserved grows among public health professionals, our society has begun to redefine problems and restructure solutions to serve racial and ethnic minority populations. The minority health paradigm has emerged from this shift in thinking. During the past decade, the health of racial and ethnic minorities has become an issue of public policy. In October 1985, with the release of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Report of the Secretary’s Task Force on Black and Minority Health, a public and systematic accounting of the health conditions and status of racial and ethnic minority populations in the United States was gathered in one place and analyzed.~ In this report, health priorities were set and recommendations were developed to address identified problems and research needs. An Office of Minority Health (OMH) was established administratively by the DHHS in December 1985 to ensure that action would be taken on the Report’s recommendations. 2 This was the first highly visible public policy venture to use the term minority health. This landmark event in public health provided the basis for a legitimate public debate on how to put the minority health concept into operation. It continues to influence public debate today.