April is National Minority Health Month and focuses on bringing awareness to the health disparities that affect racial and ethnic communities in the United States. It encourages health education and also early detection to prevent premature death and illness in these communities. This year’s theme is #VaccineReady to educate and encourage individuals to get the COVID 19 vaccine. Minorities have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID19 pandemic.
Nevada Strong
Here in Nevada, Governor Sisolak officially declared April as Minority Health Month in Nevada and wrote in his declaration that “… the State of Nevada recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted some communities and that creates an environment where COVID-related outcomes result in lingering chronic illnesses and negative non-health related social determinants…” and ended his proclamation with “Minority Health Month is a time for the State of Nevada to re-emphasize its commitment to addressing Racism as a Public Health Crisis”. Nevada’s largest minority group according to the U.S. Census Bureau is the Hispanic or Latino population, which makes up 29.2% of Nevada’s population. Although Reno’s population is predominantly White, the Hispanic population is 24.7%.The Asian population makes up 6.35% and the black and African American population makes up 2.53% of Reno’s population.
The Growth of the Reno Community
As Reno’s community continues to grow, so do the public health issues such as homelessness, substance abuse, but the largest public health issue currently is the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic. That’s why it is important to know the facts when it comes to vaccination and make sure that those resources and tools are being shared and are easily accessible to minority communities. The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities has created the #VaccineReady social media campaign to spread vaccination knowledge and created social media toolkits that include informative messages and social media cards. They also have created a Minority Health Bingo Challenge for 2021 that is not only in English but also in Spanish.
Although the Nevada Silver Health and Life Insurance Agency has been in business for 32 years, we have called 89502 our home for 16 years. We have seen the Reno community grow and become a mecca for diversity and inclusion. We are dedicated to helping those in the community, especially those in underrepresented communities, enroll in the best health insurance coverage they need for not only themselves but also for their families. Our agency does provide Spanish speaking services for those who English is not their first language. Contact us today to learn more about enrolling in the right health care plan.
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