What is a Health Disparity?

According to the National Institute of Health, health disparities are, “differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of diseases and other adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States (NIH, 2000). In other words, Health disparities refer to gaps in the quality of health and health care across racial and ethnic groups. New Mexico is comprised of diverse racial and ethic groups, with a population that is 43% White, 43.6% Hispanic, 9.6% American Indian, and approximately 2% African American . Though rich in diversity, New Mexico is also a state burdened by a high rate of health disparities. In fact, New Mexico ranks 40th in the nation as one of the worst states with poor health outcomes, particularly among minority populations. Some of the health challenges New Mexico faces:

Teenage pregnancy among Hispanics continues to be higher than any other racial/ethnic minority. New Mexico’s teen birth rate for females ages 15-17 remains more than 60 percent higher than the national rate.

Rates of death for American Indians are higher than Whites for all age groups under the age of 65.

Accidents (Unintentional injuries)are the second leading cause of death for American Indians and the third leading cause of death for Hispanics. New Mexico has alcohol and drug related death rates double the national rates.

Suicide deaths at a rate of 18.7 per 100,000, New Mexico had the second highest suicide rate in the United States in 2004.

HIV/AIDS - African-Americans have the highest death rates for HIV/AIDS in New Mexico.

Diabetes was the fourth leading cause of death for American Indians and Hispanics in New Mexico in 2004.

OPMH has taken an active role in addressing these issues through its Minority Health Grant. This five year grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Minority Health will target health disparities in New Mexico, through key efforts such as raising awareness, mobilizing communities, increasing capacity, preventing disease, promoting health, focusing resources on targeted populations and delivering appropriate care. Listed to the right are the major projects supported by the grant to address health disparities. Also included is the Department of Health's health data page and DHHS’s Office of Minority Health page. For additional information on New Mexico’s Minority Health Disparities Grant and its activities, email Jolene Aguilar, Minority Health Coordinator at Jolene.Aguilar@state.nm.us or call (505) 827-2056.