Minority Health Month and Sentara’s commitment to our communities
Addressing health disparities and inequities across our communities is a priority at Sentara. National Minority Health Month, observed every April, serves to educate the public and encourage ways to take action on disparities affecting racial and ethnic minority populations. This observance gives us time to pause and reflect on ways healthcare organizations take action for health equity year-round and the importance of promoting access to healthy lives for all.
The history of minority health month
Booker T. Washington believed enhancing the living conditions of minority communities, including sanitation, housing and access to healthcare, was essential for economic progress. He established National Negro Health Week in 1915 to advocate for and promote education about these improvements. In 2002, Congress established April as National Minority Health Month.
Health equity in our communities
Minority Health Month gives us an opportunity to take inventory of our efforts to improve health across the diverse populations of Virginia and northeastern North Carolina that Sentara serves. According to census statistics, minorities make up a significant portion of Virginia’s population, with African Americans, Hispanic and Latino individuals, Asian Americans and other minority groups all contributing to the rich tapestry of our communities. Health disparities within communities show up as higher rates of disease, injury or violence than are experienced by other populations.
These disparities may come “in the form of day-to-day things that impact the quality of life, such as good schools, access to fresh fruits and veggies, green space or other vibrant places to gather, and access to quality, affordable housing,” says Sandra Serna, director of the Office of Health Equity.
Sentara and Minority Health
Through initiatives like community partnerships and investments through Sentara Cares, we strengthen our commitment to equal access to quality healthcare for all. Sentara dedicates substantial resources to supporting our community through access to culturally competent care and education.
Through Sentara Care’s Spring and Fall 2023 grant cycles, Sentara has awarded over $6.6 million to more than 174 community partners and invested nearly $12 million in health equity programs. These efforts also reach multiple sectors, including access to care, behavioral health, food security, housing and workforce development.
Here are three recent examples of how Sentara is making a difference in equal access to healthcare in our communities:
She Thrives
Sentara proudly participated in the She Thrives Health Fair in Norfolk, Va., sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber for Progress. We were there in person, offering preventative healthcare services and providing education and resources to Spanish-speaking individuals.
“We brought translators and Spanish-speaking staff and provided crucial services such as mammograms, vaccinations and education,” shares Vanessa Hill, health equity project manager at Sentara. “By encouraging important health screenings and educating community members about early detection of cancers and chronic conditions, we’re empowering them with knowledge and resources to improve their health.”
By meeting our communities where they are and offering culturally sensitive care, we are supporting Hispanic communities in taking hold of their health on their terms and in their native language.
Lay health ministry
Sentara also partners with churches and community organizations, recognizing the pivotal role that faith and community leaders can play in promoting holistic health. Through these partnerships, we provide classes to support mental and physical well-being, support programs to improve social determinants of health (including food insecurity, behavioral health, safe housing and access to employment), and invest in health and prevention programs.
As an example, Sentara recently distributed 65 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and hosted training sessions to equip organizations and faith leaders in Elizabeth City, N.C., with the knowledge they need to respond to emergencies in a helpful way. By working closely with our faith-based partners, we are fostering a culture of wellness and resilience within our community.
Health education
The Sentara Community Care program partners with community leaders to empower people with the education and tools to help them take control of their health. One such example is the recent “Community Caring for Community” program offered by Sentara Health Equity in partnership with the Greater Peninsula Care Foundation.
This program offered four courses in communities on the Peninsula identified as areas with a need. These courses helped the community gain access to education on healthy eating, staying active and improving mental health. The results were encouraging, with participants experiencing improvements in key measurements such as blood pressure, cholesterol and BMI.
Sentara values advancing health equity and ensuring all members of our communities have access to the resources they need to live their healthiest and most fulfilling lives.
Learn more about Sentara Cares and our impact on the communities we serve.
Sentara provides competitive grants for eligible organizations working to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities through programs that align with Sentara’s funding priorities.
By: Amy Sandoval