Cicilline Statement in Observance of National Minority Health Month

WASHINGTON, DC–U.S. Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) released the following statement today in recognition of April as National Minority Health Month:

“Rhode Island has a diverse racial and ethnic population which contributes greatly to the richness of our state. This month we celebrate the progress made in improving health outcomes for minorities, and renew our commitment to addressing the racial and ethnic health disparities in our state.

“As the 2010 census data shows, Rhode Island’s population is becoming even more diverse.  Today, minorities make up 20 percent of our state’s population, up from 16 percent in 2000.   The growing diversity in our communities highlights the importance of addressing glaring health disparities when considering that asthma, diabetes, heart disease and stroke disproportionately affect minorities.

“That’s why National Minority Health Month was created – to raise awareness of the need to improve the health of all racial and ethnic minority populations in the United States.

“Our diverse population is a part of the fabric of our civic, political and cultural life – and we are all better for it. Ensuring that racial and ethnic minority populations in the state have equal access to high quality health services is important to assuring the future success of Rhode Island.”