Executive Order Number Sixty-Eight Establishing The Health Disparities Task Force
WHEREAS, the “Stronger Together” Minority Health Disparity Conference, sponsored by Lt. Governor John Carney and the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, was the first statewide conference to focus on racial and ethnic disparities, and highlighted the concerns of Health Disparities in Delaware; and
WHEREAS, a report from that conference has further outlined the problem in Delaware, and recommends the creation of a Task Force to build a framework for addressing health disparities; and
WHEREAS, the data compiled by the University of Delaware as part of the “Stronger Together” conference and report shows that disparities exist among racial and ethnic groups and indicates higher incidence and mortality rates for most chronic conditions; and
WHEREAS, that research has identified such factors as access to health care, environmental and behavioral components as contributors to health disparities; and
WHEREAS, improving health status in all communities requires effective programs of prevention, education and health promotion; and
WHEREAS, certain health indicators were identified that outline the degree of disparity that exists;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RUTH ANN MINNER, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby declare and order the following:
1. The Delaware Health Disparities Task Force is established. Two-Co-Chairpersons, one a representative of a governmental agency, and one from a non-governmental, community-based organization, shall be appointed by the Governor. The terms of all members shall terminate at the time the Task Force tenders its report to the Governor.
2. The Commission shall consist of 23 members, four of whom shall be appointed by the General Assembly, with the remainder appointed by the Governor, as follows:
a. Two members appointed by the House of Representatives (one appointed by the Speaker and one appointed by the Minority Leader);
b. Two members appointed by the Senate (one appointed by the President Pro Tempore and one appointed by the Minority Leader);
c. The Director of the Division of Public Health;
d. The Director of the Office of Minority Health;
e. One representative of the medical community;
f. One representative from the healthcare insurance industry;
g. The Director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health;
h. Two representatives of organizations that serve the minority community;
i. Two representatives from institutions of higher education;
j. One representative from the Delaware Health Care Commission;
k. Two representatives of Federally Qualified Health Centers;
l. One representative of a Delaware hospital;
m. The President of the National Medical Association, Delaware Chapter;
n. One representative from the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce; and
o. Four representatives from the community-at-large representing racial or ethnic groups (one from each County, and the City of Wilmington).
3. The Health Disparities Task Force shall advise the Governor, through the Division of Public Health and the Department of Health and Social Services, of strategies to reduce health disparities in Delaware. The Task Force shall develop broad-based recommendations for the reduction of health disparities in Delaware, which are based upon scientific evidence, defined partnerships, expected contributions, timelines, review and evaluation. These recommendations should encompass but not be limited to charges to business, community, education, communities of faith, providers, hospitals, insurers and government.
4. The Task Force shall issue its final report within one year of the date of this Order.
5. The goals of the Health Disparities Task Force shall include, but shall not be limited to:
a. Defining the health disparities status of Delaware as compared to the nation and the region;
b. Documenting the disparities among racial and ethnic groups related to specific conditions and the reasons for the gaps;
c. Identifying best practices for prevention and intervention;
d. Increasing awareness of the scope of the problem among government officials, medical professionals and the public;
e. Improving coordination between and among the public and private sector; and
f. Identifying areas requiring additional research and education.
6. The Health Disparities Task Force may establish sub-committees under the leadership of its members to conduct the activities of the Task Force.
7. The Division of Public Health shall provide staffing for the Task Force.
8. The Division of Public Health shall collaborate with its community partners to utilize the final recommendations to develop a comprehensive multidisciplinary Health Disparity reduction plan for the State of Delaware.
APPROVED: May 24, 2005
