FAQs for the Minority Health Office

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why create an Office of Minority Health when there are so few minorities in NH?
2. What are NH's racial and ethnic demographics?
3. What are the health problems that minorities face?
4. Where can I get help with a language or interpretation problem?
5. If I have a health problem and no insurance, where can I get help?

Questions & Answers:
1. Why create an Office of Minority Health when there are so few minorities in NH?	Back to top
NH's population increased from approximately 800,000 in 1980 to more than 1.2 million in 2000. Part of that increase reflects the significant increase in the number of racial and ethnic populations from around the world that chose NH as their new home. DHHS recognizes that the provision of culturally and linguistically competent healthcare and social services to all NH citizens requires a full time, focused and sustained effort.

2. What are NH's racial and ethnic demographics?	Back to top
NH's information is found within the 2000 National Census Data. NH profiles are available from Regional Health Profiles produced by Health Planning and Research.

3. What are the health problems that minorities face?	Back to top
There is compelling evidence that race and ethnicity correlate with persistent and often increasing health disparities among U.S. populations. Serious and significant disparities in health access and outcomes are experienced by multiple racial and ethnic minorities in six primary areas. Infant Mortality Cancer Screening and management Cardiovascular Disease Diabetes HIV Infections/AIDS Immunizations

4. Where can I get help with a language or interpretation problem?	Back to top
Interpretative support is requested most often at DHHS District Offices. The number of bilingual-bicultural staff at DHHS District Offices increased steadily over the past two years. DHHS purchases Spanish interpretation and translation support for the Nashua and Manchester DHHS District Offices from the Latin American Center in Manchester. The International Institute provides Serbo-Croatian interpretation support for the DHHS Manchester District Office. Interpretation and translation support for additional languages is under development. For find assistance closest to you, look at the Directory of Translators & Interpreters. For many years various community based organizations have provided interpreters and translators and continue to provide support when needed. The most notable of these organizations are the Latin American Center, the NH Minority Health Coalition and the International Institute - all located in Manchester.

5. If I have a health problem and no insurance, where can I get help?	Back to top
If you need health care and are uninsured or underinsured, the Community Health Centers are a good source of information, medical screening and medical care when possible. The Public Health Departments of Manchester and Nashua also provide screening, referral and limited primary care. Contact a DHHS District Office information regarding health insurance such as Medicaid and Healthy Kids insurance.