Rep. Espaillat Issues Statement on National Minority Health Month

WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-New York, issued the following statement in recognition of National Minority Health Month to raise awareness of health disparities that continue to plague minority communities.:

"April is National Minority Health Month, and it remains critical that we continue to raise awareness of the health disparities that plague minority communities throughout our country and work to find solutions to improve the health and health care available to those who need it the most," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).

"Latinos and African Americans are consistently at higher risks for health issues that lower life expectancy and adversely affect quality of life throughout our communities. Diagnosis and incidence of HIV, cancers, diabetes, adult and childhood obesity, continue to disproportionately affect both the black and brown communities. While health indicators such as life expectancy and infant mortality have improved for most Americans, minorities are still disproportionately impacted by preventable diseases, death and disability.

"I am proud to cosponsor the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA), which serves as a comprehensive blueprint for achieving health equity. The HEAA builds on the advancements of the ACA by providing federal resources, policies, and infrastructure to eliminate health disparities in all populations, regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration status, age, ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or English proficiency.

"Health equity today, builds healthier, stronger lives in the future."