April is National Minority Health Month. This month, we recognize that people who identify as racial and ethnic minorities face more poor health conditions than their White counterparts across the country. These health disparities are born from racist policies and structures that disempower minority-identifying communities, leading to greater health burdens and less access to care. According to Virginia Department of Health data, in Alexandria alone, we see examples of health disparities, such as: 

• Black Alexandria residents' average life expectancy (78.5 years) is nearly 7 years less than White Alexandrians average life expectancy (85.4 years). 
• Child mortality rates are 
  • For Black children, 50 out of 100,000 children. 
  • For Hispanic children, 60 out of 100,000 children. 
  • For non-Hispanic White children, 30 out of 100,000 children. 
• 10% of Black babies are born at a low birth weight compared to 8% of Asian babies, 7% of Hispanic babies, and 5% of White babies.   

The theme of this year’s National Minority Health Month is Better Health Through Better Understanding. The theme asks how people can live healthier lives when health care meets their unique language skills and cultural values.  

Alexandria is home to many people who identify as racial and ethnic minorities. These residents bring a range of language abilities and cultural backgrounds to our city. At Alexandria Health Department, we work to provide care for minority-identifying residents by: 

• Empowering residents through shared decisions about health goals, services, and projects 

• Translation services in our clinics 

• Specialty health care clinics and services across Alexandria 

• Sharing of community-based resources with clients 

• Outreach across Alexandria to minority populations through events and communications 

• Analysis of disaggregated data so we can see how healthy each population is 

• Addressing the root causes of health such as poverty and housing 

• Support for policies that fight racism and break down health care barriers  

Still, Alexandria Health Department is always striving to better understand and improve health for minority-identifying Alexandrians.  Join us this April, and always, as we recognize the importance of National Minority Health Month. Learn more through the Office of Minority Health. 

Questions? Email us at alexhealth@vdh.virginia.gov