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Description of organization:
The mission of the OMMH is to foster accessible and high-quality programs and policies that help all racial and ethnic minorities in New Jersey achieve optimal health, dignity and independence. The OMMH works to prevent disease and to promote and protect the well-being of racial/ethnic minorities at all stages of life. This is accomplished by increasing public and health professional awareness of persistent racial/ethnic disparities and by developing effective health policies and culturally competent programs that lead to better access and utilization of quality health care services.

Description of project:
In March 2007, the OMMH, with the help of other key divisions and units within the NJDHSS, coordinated, developed and released the Strategic Plan to Eliminate Health Disparities in New Jersey (Plan) ---a comprehensive plan of action to improve the health of racial and ethnic minorities in this state. As a program within the NJDHSS, the OMMH leads the efforts to reduce, and eventually eliminate, the gaps in health status between New Jersey's minority and multicultural communities and state as a whole. Program activities include organizing community round table discussions, collaborating with the state agencies and funding health-related grants to minority community-based agencies. Translations of materials into other languages are underway, as well as a redesign of the OMMH Web site, which will include a Spanish portal. Data collection on the health status of minorities and work training community-based leaders and staff on medical interpretation and community health navigation is ongoing.