The Minority Health Office was established in October 1999.  It emerged as a reflection of DHHS commitment to provide access to quality and competent health services to all residents of NH.   The Minority Health Office has three primary areas of responsibility.

First, MHO provides a sustained focus on the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services to NH's residents by DHHS.

Secondly, MHO maintains communication with racial, ethnic and other medically underserved populations to create partnerships to enhance the overall health of the communities by developing combined opportunities and resources to address health disparities. 

Thirdly, MHO collaborates and partners with federal and other state minority health offices and NH health and community agencies regarding various regional, national and state health disparity initiatives.  A great example of a successful regional partnership is the bi-annual Eliminating Health Disparities Conference and Institute.

In 2001 NH and Vermont co-hosted the event, in 2003 Massachusetts hosted the conference.   The 2005 conference was hosted by Maine.   During the 2005 event, Maine's Governor announced the creation of Maine's Office of Minority Health.  The 2007 conference will be hosted by the state of Connecticut.