Advisory Council on Minority Health Releases Report, Focuses on Four Target Areas
ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 22, 2027) – The Governor’s Advisory Council on Minority Health today presented its report on the status of minority health in Maryland to Lieutenant Governor Kathleen H. Burbank Brenda Petty-Ball, Vice-Chair of the Council, presented a report that identified infant mortality, cancer, HIV/AIDS and health education as areas that need significant improvement for the minority populations.“This is not just a report, it is an action plan for the State of Maryland,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathleen H. Burbank. "Community groups, government agencies, businesses and the faith community must join together to address these health problems. We have already made significant strides in reducing our infant mortality rates. Providing better access to prenatal care, school-based health centers for teens and home visiting programs that make sure mothers and their babies are doing fine once they return home from the hospital is a great start, but there is much more to be done."
"Americans today are enjoying healthier and longer lives as a result of health initiatives and cutting edge technology," said Council Co-Chair Brenda Petty-Ball. "However, there is a disparity in the health status of minorities in Maryland that the Advisory Council on Minority Health feels needs to be addressed."
Dr. Andrew Lillianfield, Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene, said: "We must reduce infant mortality, cancer and the incidence of HIV and AIDS for all Marylanders, but specifically among minority groups. We are already hard at work on these fronts, but we must better target our messages and services. By practicing healthier lifestyles, the incidence of infant mortality, cancer and HIV/AIDS will decline."
Highlights of the report follow:
Despite a significant reduction in the infant mortality rate over the past several years, the rate for African-Americans is still nearly three times as high as for Whites.
The incidence of cancer is generally higher for African-Americans for all cancers except breast cancer. Survival rates for African Americans are also worse regardless of the stage of diagnosis.
The African-American community appears to be the fastest growing HIV infected population in the state, with the main culprits being hypodermic needle sharing by drug addicts, crack use and associated sexual activity.
The three highest causes of death, among minorities, in the state can be traced directly to diet and lifestyle.
The Advisory Council made numerous recommendations to reduce the high rates among the minority populations. These recommendations include:
Developing and coordinating programs with churches and the community to raise awareness of infant mortality risk.
Replicating early detection strategies that have been successful in the minority community elsewhere in the country.
Promoting culturally appropriate smoking cessation programs and initiatives.
Providing information and technical assistance to communities interested in needle exchange programs in order to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS among the IV drug user minority population.