WHEREAS, nationwide Minority Health Month is recognized each April and serves as an opportunity to encourage health education and raise awareness about health disparities that impact racial and ethnic minorities in Nevada and across the country; and

WHEREAS, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health and Equity (NOMHE) has identified health literacy as a form of self-advocacy allowing Black, Indigenous and Persons of Color (BIPOC) communities to identify, address and overcome barriers that give advantages to some populations and creates disadvantage to others; and

WHEREAS, the State of Nevada recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted some communities and that creates an environment where COVID-related outcomes result in lingering chronic illnesses and negative non-health related social determinants; and

WHEREAS, is cultivating a dedication to testing, vaccine acceptance and access to therapeutics across Nevada's BIPOC communities to equitably achieve community immunity through the timely dissemination of accurate information and empowering community members to make informed decisions about their health with the aim of ensuring all Nevadans are vaccine ready; and

WHEREAS, Nevada is working to further stratify and collect data reflecting race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) to also include ability status, making it possible to advance racial equity by developing impactful outreach and customized programming based on localized social determinants of health which leads to the reduction of health disparities; and

WHEREAS, the State of Nevada recognizes the importance of vaccination in our most vulnerable and underserved communities and the State is working to empower minority populations to get the facts about vaccine, share information and get vaccinated when they are able; and

WHEREAS, Minority Health Month is a time for the State of Nevada to re-emphasize its commitment to addressing Racism as a Public Health Crisis;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEVE SISOLAK, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim April 2021, as

MINORITY HEALTH MONTH IN NEVADA