Rep. Young offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 514.

            A resolution to urge the Michigan Department of Community Health to take further actions to address racial and ethnic health disparities and to fulfill responsibilities provided in 2006 PA 653.

            Whereas, Racial and ethnic populations in Michigan remain disproportionately affected by preventable illness and chronic disease.  These disparities exist in all areas, including infant mortality, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular health, as well as numerous other areas; and

            Whereas, In 2006, the Michigan Legislature enacted PA 653 to require the Department of Community Health to take specific actions to address racial and ethnic health disparities in this state and to issue an annual report on the impact of the law.  The department's Health Disparities Report to the Michigan Legislature issued in 2007 identifies steps that were taken by the department to address health disparities while also acknowledging that fiscal and staff limitations as well as departmental "cross-divisional" responsibilities have impeded real progress; and

            Whereas, Action must be taken by the Department of Community Health to implement a minority health policy that is aimed at reducing the incidence and prevalence of diseases that lead to premature mortality rates in minority populations in Michigan.  To more aggressively pursue this mission, the department must:

--Complete the development of a long range statewide strategic plan for the reduction of racial and ethnic health disparities in this state;

--Seek to partner with county health departments, community groups, minority health coalitions, and private sector entities on the development of specific interventions and on the development of an appropriate health promotion and disease management program; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Michigan Department of Community Health to take further action to address racial and ethnic health disparities and fulfill their responsibilities under 2006 PA 653; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor and to the Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health.