January 16, 2006

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino a national award for his efforts to eliminate racial and ethnic health inequities.

The “Director’s Award,” which Menino accepted at a gala dinner in Washington (DC) January 10, is given to a government official who has worked collaboratively and with singular purpose to improve minority health and eliminate health disparities.

“I’m honored to be receiving this award on behalf of the city and all of our partners in this important effort,” Menino said. “While we have made strides in addressing health care disparities in our city, we know that there is much more to do, and the real celebration will take place when we can say that health disparities based on race and ethnicity are eliminated once and for all.”

Over the past several years, Menino has led a ground-breaking effort in Boston to analyze and address the problem of health inequities in minority populations in the city. In June 2005, Boston was the first city in the nation to produce a report detailing the problem locally, and at the same time develop a comprehensive blueprint to address the issue.

“Menino’s leadership in highlighting health disparities in Boston should be used as a template for Mayors across America,” said Senator Edward M. Kennedy (MA). “Through his efforts, we’ve taken a huge step forward in addressing a systemic problem that plagues many communities and one that deserves all of our attention. This is the life sciences century and I know that under Menino’s leadership, Boston will continue to lead in bringing critical health care and improving the quality of life for all Bostonians,” added Kennedy.

Boston is an increasingly diverse city, with more than half the population now made up of Asian, Black, and Latino residents. Yet data in the report released in Boston showed that when compared to White Bostonians, Black, Latino and to a lesser extent Asian Bostonians fare worse among many indicators.

Shortly after issuing Boston’s report, Menino, along with the Boston Public Health Commission, raised and distributed more that $1 million to 33 community groups to implement programs aimed at solving this vexing problem. Menino also harnessed the energy of all of Boston’s teaching hospitals in addressing inequities in health. Boston hospitals are now at the forefront nationally in the research and development of best practices that health care facilities can use to improve care to communities of color.

Menino will accept his award at a Leadership Summit which will bring together over 2000 leaders from government, media, academia, and groups working to improve the health of minority communities throughout the U.S.

Staff from the Boston Public Health Commission share information on Boston’s Disparities Project with summit attendees. Details on the city’s efforts can be found on the web at www.bphc.org/disparities.