MAHONING COUNTY Officials aim to boost health of minorities

The Youngstown City Health District celebrates Public Health Day on Monday.
YOUNGSTOWN -- April is Minority Health Month in Ohio, and April 5 to 11 is Public Health Week in Mahoning County, the focus of which is eliminating health disparities between whites and minorities.
"Unfortunately, health disparities still persist in our state and in Mahoning County," said Matthew Stefanak, Mahoning County Health District commissioner. "Even with all the advances in public health, minority populations continue to lag behind non-minority populations."
In Ohio, according to Stefanak:
UThe infant mortality rate for blacks is more than two times the white rate.
UBlack babies are twice as likely to die of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as white babies.
UNonwhite males had the highest overall cancer rate in 2000.
UBlack women account for 61 percent of new HIV/AIDs diagnoses, while accounting for only 12 percent of the population.
UThe risk of dying from cardiovascular disease is 21 percent higher for black females than white females.
UThe immunization rate for Ohio Hispanics age 18 to 49 is about half that of whites.
At the state level, the target population of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health's 16th annual monthlong celebration is black Americans, Asians, Hispanics and American Indians, said Lisa B. Stafford, commission director.
Activities
Among activities funded by the commission during Minority Health Month 2004, was today's local kickoff of minority health month at Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana, 3660 Shirley Road.
On Monday, the Youngstown City Health District will celebrate Public Health Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with free blood pressure and tuberculosis testing. Also, blood sugar and cholesterol screening will be available for $7 each test.
People who want the last two tests must fast for at least eight hours before having the test, said Wayna Hightower, city heath district director of nursing.
A program on breast health and music therapy specifically geared toward black for women will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. April 27 at The Renaissance Place, 1948 Palmyra Road S.W., in Warren.
Dr. Deforia Lane, an associate director of the Ireland Cancer Center and director of music therapy at University Hospitals of Cleveland, Ireland Cancer Center, and Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, is the speaker.
Along with dinner, the program also features a talk by cancer survivor Lilly Johnson.
Sponsored by Humility of Mary Health Partners and The Alliance Community Outreach Project of Warren, the program is free, but registration is requested by April 22. Call (330) 480-3151 or toll free at (877) 700-4647 for more information.