HR 9115 2003
1	House Resolution
2	A resolution urging Floridians to observe April as
3	National Minority Health Month.
4
5	WHEREAS, despite considerable improvement in the overall
6	health of the residents of the United States, disparities still
7	exist among African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans,
8	Alaska Natives, Asians, and Pacific Islanders as compared to the
9	nation's population as a whole, and
10	WHEREAS, minorities are more likely to die from cancer,
11	cardiovascular disease, stroke, chemical dependency, diabetes,
12	infant mortality, violence, and, in recent years, acquired
13	immunodeficiency syndrome, and
14	WHEREAS, behavioral and social sciences research has
15	increased awareness and understanding of factors associated with
16	health care utilization and access, patient attitudes toward
17	health services, and risk and protective behaviors that affect
18	health and illness, factors which have the potential to close
19	the health disparity gap in the United States, and
20	WHEREAS, National Minority Health Month, launched in April
21	2001 by the United States Department of Health and Human
22	Services, has been recognized by Congress as an important, well-
23	organized effort to eliminate health disparities in America, and
24	WHEREAS, it behooves all residents of Florida to join
25	individuals and groups across the country in an effort to raise
26	awareness of minority health disparities and to commit to
27	eliminate this distressing problem, NOW, THEREFORE,
28
29	Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
30	Florida:
31
32	That the House of Representatives expresses its concern
33	over the health disparities among the nation's populations and
34	urges all Floridians to observe the month of April as National
35	Minority Health Month by becoming involved in efforts to bring
36	about awareness of this serious problem and to work to effect
37	lasting change.