What is NASOMH? The National Association of State Offices of Minority Health (NASOMH) is the national association for the 47 existing State Offices of Minority Health and or Minority Health Entities and Partners across the United States and its territories that have a focus in eliminating health disparities and creating health equitable outcomes for the diverse communities they serve.  Created in 2005 NASOMH is eliminating health disparities through Innovation, Collaboration, and Evidence-based Solutions!

What is a State office of minority health (somh) / Minority health entities (MHE) 1985 Heckler Report supported the need for State Office of Minority Health in each state that would focus efforts on the health and wellbeing of racial and ethnic minority communities. A State Office of Minority Health/ Minority Health Entity is a recognized state or US territory level subject matter specialist in addressing the needs of your underserved and disenfranchised populations. SOMHS must continue their critical work of supporting of minority health through educating peers, decision makers and the general public on the importance of health equity, conducting programs that address health disparities and their root causes, and funding , and implement activities that encourage the elimination of racial and ethnic disparities in public health. NASOMH is here to support SOMHS/MHE in the efforts so progress continues! The formation of state minority health offices was and continues to be crucial to the successful operation of the federal OMH’s minority health network.  These offices link federal and local efforts to improve the health status of minority populations.  The federal OMH has encouraged the establishment of offices minority health in each state, commonwealth, and U.S. - associated jurisdiction.

Partnership Development As a national organization, NASOMH is uniquely situated to facilitate the development of state, regional and national partnerships among multiple sectors and racial/ethnic minorities to promote health equity and eliminate health disparities. NASOMH members have connections to diverse communities in their states, as well as to state and local governmental agencies, the provider community, public health, academic institutions, researchers, corporate/business sectors, and other key stakeholders. Some Present and Past Partners Include: SOMHs/MHEs University of North Carolina ASTHO National Partnership for Action DHHS-OMH Bethune Cookman University CDC E-Health Equity DHPE International Society on Hypertension in Blacks Stanford University Black Legislative Caucus University of Toledo Northeast Black Health Coalition

Core Competencies of all State Offices of Minority Health/ Minority Health Entity (1) Monitor health status (10) Research for new insights (3) Inform, educate, and empower people (9) Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of services (4) Mobilize community partnerships and action State Offices of Minority Health In keeping with the ten (10) essential services of public health[i], state Offices of Minority Health and/or similar entities in support of minority health, the elimination of racial and ethnic disparities in health and health care, achievement of health parity, and insurance of high quality cultural competence standards Where capacity is greater or offices have been in existence longer, these additional competencies are also core to SOMHs’ work… 6. Is not included because we do not directly Enforce laws and regulations that protect and ensure safety. We do however influence policy. (8) Assure a competent workforce (5) Develop policies and plans to support health efforts 7) Link people to needed personal health services

Mission Statement To promote and protect the health of communities of color, tribal organizations and nations, prevent disease and injury and assure conditions by which communities of color, tribal organizations and nations can be healthy- physically, mentally, socially, economically and politically. NASOMH has been in existence over the past 11 years, Comprised principally of directors and staff of state Offices of Minority Health and or/ similar entities, NASOMH’s efforts focus on minority health; the elimination of racial and ethnic disparities in health and health care; achievement of health parity, and insuring high quality cultural competence standards in all domains of public health, including policy, programs, and services. NASOMH has access to a national network of State OMH Directors and other stakeholders. All State and US Territory Directors of Offices of Minority Health /Health Equity/ Minority Health Entities are members of the Association, NASOMH’s strength is in its ability to work across multiple sectors using unified approaches that encompass but not limited to the following: prevention, health promotion/education, care delivery, research and evaluation, and partnerships to specifically meet the needs of racial and ethnic minority communities, tribal organizations and nations to eliminate disparities, and ensure culturally appropriate health and health care. NASOMH Advocates for State Offices of Minority Health

The Role of NASOMH To Provide Technical Assistance to all SOMHs/MHEs To Advocate for the National Public Policy Agenda on Eliminating Health Disparity and Health Equity Infrastructure-Capacity Building Community Mobilization Conduit Local-State-Federal Government Leverage Dollars Guardian of Archives Define, Redefine and Translate Minority Health Create National Standards for State and Local Offices of Minority Health