For Release:
   August 14, 2001

For Further Information Contact:
Laura Otterbourg
609-984-7160

Department of Health and Senior Services Unveils
Minority Health Month Calendar for September

TRENTON - The Department of Health and Senior Services has produced a special calendar of events for September - Eliminating Health Disparities - showcasing a wide range of diverse health programs statewide in recognition of September as Minority Health Month in New Jersey.

"Eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities in health access and outcomes in New Jersey has always been a priority of the department," said Acting Commissioner George T. DiFerdinando, Jr., M.D. "This calendar of events will help increase the public's awareness of medical conditions and health issues that effect every racial and ethnic population in New Jersey - and provide opportunities for people to get involved in improving their own health."

The calendar, which is also available at www.state.nj.us/health/commiss/omh, highlights nearly 100 programs that will take place throughout New Jersey in September, providing citizens with educational programs and screenings on health issues such cancer, HIV, asthma, stroke, wellness and diabetes.

"The many programs reflect the diverse population groups that comprise New Jersey as well as the many medical conditions that affect the different racial and ethnic groups," said Linda Holmes, the department's executive director for the newly renamed Office of Minority and Multicultural Health - which produced the calendar.

Acting Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco signed legislation August 8th that will expand the scope and breadth of the Office of Minority and Multicultural Health besides its name change from the Office of Minority Health. The office's increased responsibilities, said Holmes, will include identifying and working with government and community organizations to develop innovative outreach and prevention projects that will help eliminate health disparities among racial and ethnic populations.

Following is a sampling of events in the calendar throughout the month and around the state:

• Sept. 5: Minority Health Proclamation Day at the Atlantic County Administration Building Auditorium, Atlantic City. Mayor James Whelan will issue the proclamation. Various health screenings and information will be available. For more information, call 609-347-5556.
• Sept. 19: A Hispanic Community Health will be held at the Catholic Community Services, Union City. Cholesterol, blood glucose and hypertension screenings will be offered. For more information, call 201-866-3208.
• Sept. 20-21: The Eastern Region Diversity Sensitivity and Competency Conference will be held at the Atlantic City Convention Center. It is being sponsored by Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, the New Jersey Public Health Association, the American Cancer Society, Eastern Division; and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. For more information, call (908) 561-4062.
• Sept. 22: An Asian American Senior Citizens Health Fair will be held at the Herbert Hoover Middle School in Edison. For more information, call 732-828-8730.
• Sept. 28: The Hispanic Heritage Month Award of Distinction will be presented to the NJ Organ and Tissue Sharing Network at the network's office in Springfield. Cultural foods and music will be featured. For more information, call 973-379-4535.
• Sept. 29: A Community Health Fair will be held in Trenton, featuring health information booths, cultural food and music. The fair is being sponsored by the Trenton Minority HIV/AIDS Sharing Network. For more information, call 609-989-3403.
• Sept. 29: A health fair will be held at the Elmwood Presbyterian Church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is being sponsored by the East Orange Minority HIV/AIDS Sharing Network. For more information, call 973-678-0055.

The calendar was distributed to over 1,500 organizations statewide and is also available by calling 609-292-6962.