HB 615

Abstract

Creates the Reduction of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Act. Subject to appropriations for that purpose, requires the Department of Public Health to establish and administer a program of grants to stimulate the development of community-based and neighborhood-based projects that will improve the health outcomes of racial and ethnic populations. Requires the Office of Minority Health within the Department to establish measurable outcomes to achieve the goal of reducing health disparities in certain priority areas, including asthma and infant mortality. Authorizes the Director of Public Health to appoint an ad hoc advisory committee to examine areas where public awareness, public education, research, and coordination regarding racial and ethnic health outcome disparities are lacking and make recommendations for closing gaps in health outcomes. Sets forth grant proposal and eligibility requirements. Requires $1 in local matching moneys for each $3 of a grant from the Department. Allows the provision of local matching moneys entirely through in-kind contributions in counties with a population of 50,000 or less; for counties over 50,000, requires that at least 50% of the local matching moneys be in cash. Provides that no match is required in the case of a grant to an urban area. Requires the dissemination of grants beginning no later than January 1, 2007.