December 10, 2024
Media Contact:Chase Cook, Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-8649
PHOTO RELEASE: Maryland Department of Health celebrates Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities 20th anniversary at health equity conferenceBaltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health marked the 20th anniversary of the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities at its annual health equity conference held today at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD.
Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Laura Herrera Scott addresses the audience at the "Making Progress, More to Do: Health Equity Conference" held at Morgan State University.
This year’s conference highlighted the Office's commitment to health equity while emphasizing the need to address the social and systemic inequities that impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities in Maryland.
Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Alyssa Lord (left) participates in a discussion about mental health with Chief Medical Officer for Behavioral Health Rachel Talley, Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Carmel Roques and Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Secretary Anthony Woods. The Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities was established in 2004 to address social determinants of health, reduce health disparities, and promote health equity using resources from the Maryland Department of Health. This office is tasked with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data on race and ethnicity to enhance health outcomes. Additionally, it strives to build strong public and private partnerships within the community to advocate for health equity and education.
Health Equity Visionary Award honoree Shirley Nathan Pulliam (left) addresses the audience alongside Camille Blake Fall, Director of the Office of Minority Health and Health DisparitiesConference attendees included hospital administrators and staff, health organizations, academic institutions, community advocates, and members of the public. The conference featured vendor exhibits and topical programming, including health equity and criminal justice, meeting health care needs of women and female presenting persons, the economic aspects of health equity, and more.
For more information about the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, visit
health.maryland.gov/mhhd.
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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.
