The Florida House of Representatives has introduced House Resolution HR 8051, which designates April 2026 as "Minority Health Month" in the state. This initiative aligns with the national observance aimed at promoting health equity for racial and ethnic minorities. The resolution highlights the historical context of National Minority Health Month, tracing its origins back to 1915 when Booker T. Washington advocated for a National Negro Health Week. In 2002, Congress officially recognized the need for a month dedicated to addressing health disparities faced by minority populations.

The resolution underscores the significant health disparities that exist, citing alarming statistics such as Black women being three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to their white counterparts. It also references recent research indicating that non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients experience longer wait times in emergency departments than non-Hispanic White patients, even after accounting for various factors. By designating April 2026 as Minority Health Month, the Florida House aims to raise awareness and promote educational efforts to address these critical health issues.