Whereas, The overall health of racial and ethnic minority populations has improved through increased access to health care, sustained health seeking behaviors and healthy lifestyle changes; and,

Whereas, Improvement in the health of minority populations has not been realized to the same extent as the population as a whole, resulting in continued disparities in access to care, rates of illness and premature death; and,

Whereas, The collection and dissemination of relevant data would increase awareness and reduce racial and ethnic health disparities across the state of Michigan; and,

Whereas, 40 percent of health outcomes can be linked to individual behaviors, therefore making the elimination of unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, physical inactivity and poor nutrition a primary public health goal; and,

Whereas, Racial and ethnic minorities represent approximately 20 percent of the population of Michigan, yet are underrepresented in the health care professions; and,

Whereas, Minority students must continue to be encouraged and prepared to enter health care professions through the availability of scholarships and targeted recruitment efforts; and,

Whereas, Greater federal resources should be made available for research, education, prevention programs and clinical services directed toward promoting optimal health among racial and ethnic minorities; and,

Whereas, Targeted health promotion and disease prevention initiatives must be presented in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate; and,

Whereas, The State of Michigan continues to demonstrate its commitment towards improving the health of minority citizens through the development of the Health Disparity Reduction and Minority Health Program and the launch of the “Color Me Healthy” initiative; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2006, as Minority Health Awareness Month in Michigan and I encourage all Michigan residents to take an active role in promoting health and wellness activities in families and communities throughout the state.