The Florida Department of Health's Mission

To protect and promote the health of all residents and visitors in the state through organized state and community efforts, including cooperative agreements with counties.

OMH's Mission

The Office of Minority Health's mission is to improve health and healthcare outcomes for racial and ethnic minority communities by developing or advancing policies, programs, and practices that address health, social, economic, environmental, and other factors which impact health.

Vision

The Florida Department of Health's Office of Minority Health seeks to eliminate health disparities as they relate to groups impacted by disability, gender, age, and sexual orientation for all Floridians.

The history of OMH

1993 Florida's Minority Health Improvement Act authorized the Minority Health Commission.

1995 The Commission was sunset.

1998 The Department of Health established the Office of Equal Opportunity and Minority Health.

2004 The Florida Legislature established the Office of Minority Health within the Department of Health, Section 20.43 (9) Florida Statute.

Reducing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: Closing the Gap Grant Program- Florida Statute 381.7651-381.7356:

• Florida Statute 381.7351 f.s. (Short title; Closing the Gap Act.)
• Florida Statute 381.7352 f.s. (Legislative findings and intent)
• Florida Statute 381.7353 f.s. (Administration; department duties.)
• Florida Statute 381.7354 f.s. (Eligibility)
• Florida Statute 163.336 f.s. (Project requirements; review criteria. )
• Florida Statute 381.7356 f.s. (Local matching funds; grant awards.)

Florida Healthy People 2010 Program, Florida Statute 381.736, and the

State Partnership Grant. These programs address racial and ethnic health disparities. Particular attention is given to health disparities among minorities and the impact of racial and ethnic culture on health status.
 

OMH is under the Surgeon General and the Director for OMH is the Deputy Secretary for Health. Dr. Steven L. Harris.

You may contact the Office of Minority Health in writing at 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A25, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1746.

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to the e-mail address listed below.

You may contact us by email at MinorityHealth@doh.state.fl.us or by calling (850) 245-4941. Our fax number is (850) 245-4124.

Melvena Wilson, DrPH, MPH, CHES - Acting Assistant Director

Mary Grace Tavel - FCCDHH Human Services Program Specialist

Ter'rence Roland, MSITc- SPG Publications Specialist

Cinitra Williams - SPG Government Operations Consultant I