State health disparities program database needs input

State health disparities program database needs input

Researchers and community leaders across South Carolina recently received a letter from Gardenia Ruff, Director of the Office of Minority Health (OMH) at the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, announcing creation of the Minority Health Disparity Initiatives Database (MHDID) in collaboration with the State of SC Division of Biostatistics and Health Geographic Information System (GIS). The primary purpose of the MHDID is to provide a systematic approach to identify, summarize and disseminate programmatic informational reports including outcomes/results, and best/promising practices to facilitate better coordination and collaboration of health disparity efforts in the state.

OMH would like to include a description of all heath disparity activities and initiatives that focus on improving minority health in South Carolina. Health disparity activities and initiatives are defined as those that address differences in health conditions among African-Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, and Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders, as compared with the population as a whole.

Database benefits include promoting awareness of programs and initiatives, informing colleagues who may wish to use a program ‘s design and goals as a model, and creating a network of potential resource development opportunities. The database information will be available for state and other public and private agencies, government officials, faith and community based organizations, colleges and universities, and researchers to assist with planning, implementing, and evaluating minority health disparity initiatives.

To enter your activities/initiatives, please complete the online database by June 30, 2005. Go to the Office of Minority Health’s website at www.dhec.sc.gov/health/minority, and click Health Disparity Initiatives Database located under Data and Statistics.. If you have questions, contact Rita Jefferson at (803) 898-2490 (e-mail: jefferov@dhec.sc.gov).

Source: Letter from the Office of Minority Health dated June 3,2005