The Ohio Conference of the NAACP, Ohio Commission on Minority Health and the Ohio Department of Health have prepared this joint statement providing information to lessen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on racial and ethnic minority communities. 

The community spread of COVID-19 is an unfortunate reality. It is important to dispel myths that convey racial and ethnic minorities are less susceptible to COVID-19.  This is simply not true. Access to care can be a challenge for minorities which could result in a greater impact from COVID-19. The response to COVID-19 requires intentional strategies to ensure those who are most vulnerable within racial and ethnic minority populations have access to testing, treatment and critical resources. Racial and ethnic minorities are encouraged to be proactive in their efforts to protect themselves from contracting COVID-19.  It is important to heed the advice of public health leaders and healthcare providers which encourages social distancing and good hygiene practices. On March 15, 2020 the national NAACP hosted an Emergency Tele-Townhall on COVID-19. This national broadcast discussed the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. More information on the Tele-Townhall can be found at https://naacp.org/emergency-coronavirus-tele-town-hall/.  For up-to-date information about the impact of COVID-19 on Ohio please visit  http://coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH. The phones are staffed from 9:00am to 8:00pm each day.

Thank you for your willingness to participate in or attend our agency’s Statewide Minority Health Month Expo and Awards ceremony this year. Your presence has historically made this event one that engages and encourages attendees to make their and their family’s health a priority, not just during minority health month, but every day.

Nevertheless, it is with our heartfelt thought and concern that the Commission informs you that our 2020 MHM Expo and Awards ceremony has been postponed. This decision is in alignment with Governor DeWine’s Executive Order 2020-01D (E.O.), which declares a state of emergency to protect the well-being of the citizens of Ohio from the effects of COVID-19.

We certainly appreciate the time and effort you invested in preparing to participate in or to attend this year’s Minority Health Month Expo and Awards Ceremony. Rest assured, that we are making every effort to reschedule a subsequent Statewide Health Expo and Awards Ceremony to recognize this year’s minority health award recipients, show appreciation for our sponsors, showcase our grantees and to raise awareness of healthy lifestyles

We ask that you all stay safe, be well, and stay tuned for more information coming soon!