The Center for Multicultural Health is the Utah office of minority health. It is part of the Utah Department of Health, Division of Community and Family Health Services. Its purpose is to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities in Utah.

Legislative Mandate
Utah State Code 26-7-2 requires the Center for Multicultural Health to:

• Reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes of multicultural populations.
• Improve access to healthcare for multicultural populations.
• Promote cultural competence.
• Improve translation and interpretation services at health agencies.
• Coordinate research, education, health promotion and screening activities related to multicultural and minority health issues.
• Share information about multicultural and minority health issues.
• Facilitate the Ethnic Health Advisory Committee.
• Help public and private organizations and advisory committees in Utah with minority health issues.
• Seek federal funding and other resources to accomplish its mission.

Office of Minority Health Duties
The Center for Multicultural Health is the Utah Office of Minority Health and is affiliated with the United States Office of Minority Health (OMH). Federal grant requirements include:

• Collaborate and coordinate with Utah Department of Health programs, local health departments and community-based organizations to serve ethnic and racial minorities.
• Facilitate the statewide Multicultural Health Network.
• Increase support for community programs that serve ethnic and racial minorities.

Current Priority Health Issues

Access to Health Insurance

• CHIP
• UPP (assistance paying employer insurance premiums)
• Medicaid
• Medicare
• Primary Care Network
• Utah Summit on Health Insurance for the Uninsured

Asthma

Cancer

Diabetes

HIV and AIDS

Heart Disease and Strokes

Immunizations

Mother and Child Health

• Baby Your Baby
• Children with Disabilities
• Reproductive Health
• WIC

Obesity

• Check your Health

Oral Health

Tobacco Use

Mission
Our mission is to help all racial and ethnic minorities in Utah achieve optimal health through accessible and high-quality programs and policies.

We accomplish our mission by increasing public and health professional awareness of persistent race/ethnic disparities and by developing effective health policies and culturally competent programs that lead to better access and utilization of quality health care services in Utah.

Vision
Our vision for Utah:
A place where people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds can enjoy the best health possible, where all can live, grow and prosper in clean and safe communities.

Logo

The five yellow dots in the Center for Multicultural Health logo represent the five major racial and ethnic minority groups in Utah: Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Asians, Blacks/African Americans, and Pacific Islanders/Native Hawaiians. The blue and red arches underneath the dots have a double meaning; they remind us of the beautiful natural arches and bridges of the Utah home we share and of the importance of "bridging the gap" by reducing health disparities. The four different colors surrounding the dots and arches show that different groups can be beautiful, harmonious and equal when working together towards a common goal.

Partners

• Other Utah Department of Health programs
• Local Health Departments
• The Multicultural Health Network
• The Ethnic Health Advisory Committee
• Community-Based Organizations
• Healthcare Providers
• Universities

Office History and Funding

• In March 2004, the Utah State Legislature passed statute 26-7-2, calling for a Center for Multicultural Health.
• In September 2004, the Center opened as part of the Utah Department of Health, Division of Community and Family Health Services (CFHS).
• In November 2005, the Center was awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health. The Center for Multicultural Health is the Utah Office of Minority Health.
• In March 2006, the Utah State Legislature amended statute 26-7-2, calling for enhanced translation services through the Center for Multicultural Health.

• Owen Quiñonez, MD, Program Coordinator
• April Young Bennett, MPA, Health Program Specialist
• Dulce Diez, B.S., CHES, Health Program Specialist