ST PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health will sharpen its focus on ways to reduce racial health disparities in the state, thanks to the new Office of African American Health.
The Minnesota Legislature voted last year to create the new office, in an effort to track the race-based gaps in health outcomes and pinpoint new strategies to address the root causes of those inequities, while working in conjunction with clinics and community organizations that serve Black Minnesotans.
"We need change for Black Minnesotans. It is overdue. It is about time and this office will shepherd a new approach," Dr. Brooke Cunningham, the Minnesota Health Commissioner, told the crowd that gathered in front of the State Capitol.
She said it's well known that Black Minnesotans suffer higher rates of hypertension, diabetes and pregnancy complications than the population as a whole.
"The creation of this office addresses generational health inequities, and represents our dedication to overcoming generational trauma, racialized health disparities and dismantling systemic barriers to improved health outcomes."
The agency has no illusions that the problem can be solved quickly, but establishing this office marks a major step in the right direction when it comes to focusing resources.
"This office represents the hope and the change that we are aspiring to," MDH Health Equity Bureau Assistant Commissioner Dr. Robsan Tura, told the crowd.
"This office represent are in the state government saying we hear you, we listen to you, we’re here for you, not for us."
The office will have a staff of six persons, with an annual budget of $1 million. Most of that money will be distributed in grants to MDH's partners in community settings. DaVonna Rucker, who most recently worked with the YWCA of Minneapolis, will be the first director of the new office.
"This is a big responsibility. I do not take it lightly. I appreciate the report and I look forward to a Minnesota where Black people can live healthily."
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan told the crowd that there's a growing number of lawmakers who identify as BIPOC -- Black, Indigenous and Persons of Color -- who are giving voice to concerns that have been off the radar in the past.
"They're wanting to make sure we know that solutions come from the community, ensuring that we have the data, because we measure what we care about and then that spurs us to take action."
Two weeks ago the MDH launched the American Indian Health Office, which will adopt a similar model of gathering data and partnering with community groups and clinics.
The TKO Drumline and Knockout Dance Team electrified the crowd during a break with a drumming and dance performance.
Program emcee Jamela Pettiford gave a rousing performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the James Weldon Johnson hymn that has become known to many as the Black National Anthem. She included the second verse, often left out public performances, which includes these lines:
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past,
Till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
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